cf- 


LETTERS 


ON 


CLERICAL    MANNERS    AND    HABITS. 


LETTERS 


ON 


ADDRESSED    TO 

A   STUDENT 

IN    THE 

THBOJmOGICAXm     SEMZNAH7, 

AT  PfllNCETOxX,  N.  J. 


BY  SAMUEL  MILLER,  D.D. 

Professor   of  Ecclesiastical  History  and   Church   Government^ 
in  the  said  Seminary, 


SECOND  EDITION. 


NEW  YORK: 

PUBLISHED  BY  G.  k  C.  CARVILL. 


1827. 


Soulhem  District  of  JVcic-Yorkf  ss. 

^♦♦♦♦♦,|i  BE  IT  REMEMBERED,  That  on  the  Tenth 

♦  ♦  day  of  April,  in  the  Fifty  First  year  of  the  In- 
^   Ij.  S.   ^  dependence  of  the  United  States  of  America, 

♦  *  Anno  Domini  ]8ii7,  G.  &C.  Carvill,  of  the  said 
•^♦♦♦♦*#  District,  have  deposited  in  this  Office  the  title 

of  a  book,  the  right  whereof  tliey   claim   as 
proprietors,  in  he  words  following,  to  wit: 

Letters  on  Clerical  Manners  and  Habits;  addressed 
to  a  Student  in  the  Theological  Seminary,  at  Prince- 
ton  JV.  J.  By  Samuel  Miller,  D.  D.  Professor  of 
Ecclesiastical  History  and  Church  Government,  in 
the  said  Seminary. 

In  conformity  to  an  act  of  the  Congress  of  the  United  States, 
entitled,  "  An  act  for  tlie  encouragement  of  learning  by  secur- 
ing the  copies  of  Maps,  Charts,  and  Books  to  the  authors  and 
propnetorsof  such  copies  during  the  time  therein  mentioned." 
And  also  to  the  act  entitled,  "  An  act  supplementary  to  an  act, 
entitled,  An  act  for  the  encouragement  of  learning  by  securing 
the  copies  of  Maps,  Charts,  and  Books  to  the  authors  and  pro- 
prietors of  such  copies  during  the  times  therein  mentioned,  and 
extending  the  benelits  thereof  to  the  arts  of  designing,  etching; 
and  cngravjjig  Ixietorical  and  other  prints." 

FRED.  r.  BETTS, 
Clcrh  of  the  !Soiahcrn  Vistrict  of  JYew-YcrJi- 


D.  A.  BOUrENSTEIN,  PRINT. 
PP.INC^TON,  N.  J. 


CONTENTS, 


LETTER    I. 

Introductory  /?c?narZ;5.... Importance  of  the  subject. 
Prejudices  against  every  attempt  to  discuss  it. 
These  prejudices  considered.. ..Good  manners  defined. 
How  to  be  studied  and  attained.. ..How  knowledge  of 
the  world  is  to  be  gained. ...Value  of  good  manners. 
Peculiarly  valuable  to  clergy  men. ...To  attain  them, 
we  must  begin  early,  and  labour  patiently        -       -       13 — 31 

LETTER    IL 

The  question  discussed,whether  clerical  manners  ought 
to  bear  a  peculiar  character. ...The  assertion  made 
that  they  ought.... Points  of  this  peculiarity. ...Firt 
point,  Dignity, ....S^cor^D  point,  Ge7itleness,....TniRB 
point,  Condescensio7'i,....FovTtfTH  point.  Affability ,.... 
Fifth  point.  Reserve y...Sixm  point,  Uniformity.... 
These  principles  not  calculated  to  form  artificial  stiff 
manners.. ..No  perfect  models  of  manners  in  this 
imperfect  world... .But  excellent  approximations  to 
this  character  often  exlubited  -         -         .         .     30 — 53 

LETTER    in. 

Offensive  personal  habits. ..Spitting  on  floors  and  car- 
pets,...Excessive  use  of  Tobacco. ...Use  of  ardent  spi- 
rits.... Fondness  for  luxurious  eating.. ..Boisterous 
laughter. ...Paring  the  nails.. ..Combing  the  hair.... 
Yawning... .Picking  the  teeth. ...Leaning  on  the  table 
....Mode  of  sitting  in  company. ...Importance  of  sit- 
ting erectly.. ..Pulling  at  articles  of  furniture. ...Guard- 
ing against  slovenly  habits  of  every  kind        -        -    ^A~-'f^ 


Viii  CONTENTS, 

public  edifice...  Spirit  of  order  in  every  thin^....Punc 
tual  attention  to  all  devotional  exercise-^... .Frequent 
absence:)  from  the  Seminary.  ..Cultivate  special 
friendships. ...Spirit  of  respect  and  conciliation  to- 
wards all... .Not  too  much  in  the  society  of  each  other 
....Converse  respecting^  studi<^=....Trpatnient  of  those 
who  differ  in  opinion.. .. Guar 'iii^  against  all  unhal- 
lowed tempers.. ..Ascertaining  and  correcting  foib'es,.,. 
Attendance  on  the  Theological  Society.. ..Publick 
speaking... .Manner  of  offering  criticism. ...Deportment 
at  meals....Care  of  Books.  ..Care  of  the  pubhc  edi- 
ficc..,. Frequent  self-examination  as  to  these  points        188 — 219 

LETTER    VIII. 

Habits  in  the  study. ...Cherishing  a  deep  sense  of  the  ex- 
tent and  importance  of  Theological  science. ...Che- 
rishing a  devoted  attachment  to  the  ministerial  office.... 
Close  and  fixed  attention. ...Studying  with  a  devout 
spirit. ...Imploring  the  aid  of  the  Holy  Spirit. ...Much 
labour  indispensable. ...Leave  nothing  till  well  done 
....Write  on  every  subject  of  study..  .Order  in  study 
....Select  favourable  hours  for  greatest  exertion.... 
Due  proportion  of  time  to  each. ...Danger  of  embra- 
cing too  much  in  a  plan  of  study.... Suitable  selection 
of  light  reading.... Novels  to  be  totally  excluded.... 
Constant  attention  to  Languages... .Close  study 
through  life.. ..Attention  not  to  be  confined  to  mere 
professional  studies..,. Reading  for  vacant  moments... 
Study  with  pen  in  hand.  ..Learning  the  character  of 
books  before  reading  them,...  Too  long  continuance  in 
study  to  be  avoided.. ..Studying  by  candle-light,... 
Write  in  a  standing  posture, ...Abstinence  in  study..,. 
Order  and  neatness  in  the  studying  apartment.... 
Cuarding  against  interruptions  in  study    -         -         220 251 

LETTER    IX. 
Habits  in  the  Lecture-Room.  ..Evils  of  absence.. ..Evils 
of  coming  late....Impropriety  of  attending  in  a  sloven- 


CONTENTS.  JX 

ly  dress... .Fixed  attention  to  what  is  said.. ..Impro- 
per to  read  during  a  Lecture. ...Private  conversation 
during;  a  Lecture..,.  Lounging;  or  reclining  posture..,. 
Sleeping  posture....Gravity.... Criticising...  Withdraw- 
ing from  the  Lecture-room....  Taking  notes  of  Lec- 
tures....Every  hour  spent  in  the  Lecture-room  pre- 
cious    - 252—269 

LETTER    X. 

Habits  in  the  Pulpit,  and  in  the  house  of  God.. ..Avoid 
exhaustion  before  going  to  the  pulpit.. ..Eat  but  little 
before  preaching.. ..Aids  for  the  voice..,. Prayer  before 
preaching....Punctuality  in  going  to  the  pulpit... .Man- 
ner of  entering  the  church. ...Manners  in  the  pulpit.... 
Want  of  dignity  in  the  pulpit... .Commencement  of 
service.. ..Passing  from  one  part  of  the  service  to  ano- 
ther....Closing  the  eyes  in  prayer.. ..Administration  of 
Sacraments.. ..Publick  services  not  too  long....Publick 
reproof  from  the  pulpit.. ..Quitting  the  pulpit.. ..Con- 
versation in  the  pulpit.. ..Flattery  in  prayer.. ..Deport- 
ment of  ministers  as  hearers.. ..Exposure  to  cold  air 
aller  speaking.. ..Quitting  the  church  with  criticisms 
oil  the  sermon....Going  from  the  pulpit  to  the  knees  270—293 

LETTER    XI. 

Conduct  in  Church  Judicatories. ...Importance  of  the 
subject.. ..Punctuality  in  attending.. ..Early  attendance 
....Special  prayer  before  attendance... .Not  to  expect 
too  much,... Being  devoted  to  the  business  of  the  body 
....Always  closely  attentive  to  what  is  going  on.... 
Keeping  in  the  pocket  a  copy  of  the  rules. ...Young 
members  to  speak  but  little.... Wait  for  older  mem- 
bers to  speak... .Frequent  or  long  speaking  never  right 
....All  harshness,  satire,^and  acrimotiy  to  be  avoided.,.. 
Treating  aged  members  with  deference.. ..Gravity.... 
Frequent  change  of  seat...Abstinence  from  food, ..Can- 
dour and  uprightness.. ..Exulting  in  success....Submis-. 
sion  under  failure..., Duties  of  Moderator.. ..No  easy 


X  CONTENTS. 

thing  to  keep  these  rules.... Plan  of  choosing  commis- 
sioners to  the  General  Assembly       -         -         -         294 — 338 

LETTER    XII. 

Female  Society,  Marriasfe,  &c....Delicaoy  of  the  subject 
....Still  very  important... .Some  clerg;ymen  ought  ne- 
ver to  marry.. ..Pastors  ought  to  marry. ...Too  much 
haste  in  marrying.... Where  marriage  is  not  intended 
great  care  should  be  taken  that  expectations  of  that 
nature  be  not  excited.... 'iatch-makers  to  be  avoided... 
Great  importance  of  piety  in  aclergyman'svirife... Good 
sense  and  prudence  indispensable.. ..Good  temper  and 
amiable  manners....Good  health  andspirits... .Personal 
beauty.... Marrying  for  money  ...No  step  in  life  more 
important  than  choosing  a  wife.... Need  of  Divine  di- 
rection....Matrimonial  engagements  not  to  be  violated 
....Clergymen  exemplarsof  conjugal  excellence. ..Con- 
duct of  clergymen's  wives  and  daughters. ...Delicacy 
in  conversing  with  females. ...Tmie  spent  with  them 
usefully  employed. ...Contemptuous  expressions  con- 
cerning the  sex  avoided  -         -        -        -        339-*355 

LETTER  XIIL 

Dress... .Style  of  living.. ..Pecuniary  concerns....  A  clergy- 
man's  dress. ...The  dress  and  deportment  of  his  family 
....Furniture  and  equipage  plain  and  simple. ...Expense 
of  living  should  never  exceed  the  income... .Wise  eco- 
nomy....Meanness  in  pecuniary  concerns.. ..Advanta- 
ges of  keeping  an  account  of  expenditures....Advanta- 
ges  of  paying  ready  money  for  every  thing  ...Con- 
tributing to  charitable  and  pious  objects... .Undue  so- 
licitude respecting  temporal  support.. ..Subscriptions 
or  donations  not  to  be  soliciteil....If  possible  to  avoid 
it,  pastors  should  not  leave  their  congregatsons  on  ac- 
count of  Salary.. ..If  compelled  to  resort  to  secular  em- 
ployment, it  should  as  far  as  possible,  harmonize  with 
the  ministerial  character.... Secular  concerns  should 


CONTENTS.  XI 

never  engross  the  thoughts  nor  the  conversation.... 
Investment  of  property  so  as  to  avoid  hti°:ation, 
and  tlie  necessity  of  resortin-^  to  coercive  measures  to 
obtain  just  rights...  A  grasping;  mercenary  spirit,  vigi- 
lantly to  be  guarded  agamst      -         -         -         -         373—394 

LETTER     XIV. 

Miscellaneous  Counsels.... Punctuality  to  engagements 
....Importance  of  decision  of  character.. ..Utility  of 
eany  rising.. ..Methods  suggested  for  thepreservation 
of  health.... Importance  of  attending  to  this  sunject... 
Extremes  to  which  young  men  are  prone  in  relation 
to  this  matter.... Habit  of  whining  and  complaining,  m 
relation  to  bodily  health. ...Brethren  in  the  ministry 
should  be  on  good  terms  with  each  other.. ..Politicks 
to  be  avoided....  Clerical  recreations.. ..The  mischiefs 

of  hurry  in  official    duty To  be  avoided  only  by 

great  diligence,  and  the  maintenance  of  order  in  their 
affairs...  Improper  concern  about  popularity.. ..Indif- 
ference to  praise  or  blame,  in  the  conscientious  dis- 
charge of  his  duty... .Ill  natured  attacks  from  the  cen- 
sorious not  to  be  publicly  noticed.. ..Assigning  reasons 
for  any  particular  course  of  conduct  to  be  done  cau- 
tiously and  sparingly.. ..Publick  men  should  be  on  their 
guard  against  their  friends  as  well  as  enemies. ...A  for- 
ward, obtrusive  spirit  toward  strangers  in  travelling.... 
A  monkish  impenetrable  reserv^e.... Ministers  should 
be  ever  ready  to  perform  the  appropriate  duties  of 
religion,  but  never  force  them  in  mixed  companies.... 
Troublesome  and  obtrusive  strangers  to  be  shunned 
....In  travelling  all  useful  information  should  be  care- 
fully sought  lor,  and  secured. ...Every  thing  to  be 
made  subservient  to  religion. ...Conclusion... The  sub- 
stance of  all  that  is  recommended  in  the  foregoing 
Letters  with  the  divine  assistance,  within  the  reach 
-of  every  candidate  for  the  holy  ministry,       -       -    295 — 423 


jLETTMMS^ 


Z.ETTEH    Z. 


THUS  SAITH  THE  LORD  OF  HOSTS,  COJ\rSIDER  TOUU  W^YS. 

'Haggai  i.  5. 


INTRODUCTORY. 

MY    DEAR    YOUNG    FRIEND, 

You  are  soon,  with  the  permission  of  Providence, 
to  enter  the  pulpit,  and  to  engage  in  the  active  du- 
ties of  that  profession,  which,  however  undervalued 
by  the  worldly  and  the  unbelieving,  cannot  fail  of  be- 
ing regarded  by  every  fjiend  of  Christ,  as  the  most 
truly  honourable  and  important  under  heaven.  For 
this  profession  I  trust  you  have  the  most  essential  of 
all  qualifications  ;  I  mean  unfeigned,  vital  piety.  If 
1  had  any  serious  doubt  as  to  this  point,  much  as  I 
respect  your  other  endowments,  and  favourably  as  I 
augur  of  your  capacity  for  the  work  of  publick  in- 
struction, I  could  not  in  conscience  encourage  you 
to  take  another  step  in  your  present  pursuit. 

But  there  is  one  qualification  for  the  sacred  office^ 


24  LETTERS    ON    CLERICAL    MANNERS. 

in  which, allow  me  with  paternal  freedom  to  say,  you 
have  always  appeared  to  me  to  be  defective.  Yv^hat^ 
ever  pleasure  your  friends  may  have  felt  in  con- 
templating your  respectable  talents,  your  theological 
acquisitions,  and  your  laudable  zeal  for  the  advance- 
ment of  the  Redeemer's  kingdom  ;  they  have  been 
often  pained  to  observe  that,  in  what  is  called  know- 
ledge of  the  worlds  and  in  conformity  to  those  ha- 
bits of  propriety  and  delicacy  which  are  commonly 
established  in  cultivated  society,  you  manifest  a  de- 
ficiency rather  remarkable  : — a  deficiency  which  has 
often  excited  surprise  in  many  who  are  acquainted 
with  vour  good  qualities  ;  and  which,  if  allowed  to 
continue,  will  undoubtedly  interfere  in  no  small  de- 
gree with  your  ministerial  usefulness.  Of  this  fact 
you  are  probably  not  sensible  \  for  if  you  were,  such 
is  my  impression  of  your  conscientious  desire  to  be 
useful,  that  I  doubt  not  you  would  apply  yourself 
with  immediate  and  exemplary  diligence  to  remedy 
the  evil.  Nay  perhaps  you  may  be  unwilling  to  be- 
lieve that  the  fact  is  so,  even  when  assured  of  it.  But 
let  not  self-flattery  blind  you  to  the  truth,  however 
mortifying.  There  is  real  need  of  your  directing  par- 
ticular attention  to  this  point.  It  is  not  a  mere  ideal 
deficiency  of  which  I  speak.  What  your  most  partial 
friends  generally  agree  in  noticing,  must  have  some 
reality.  Recollect,  too,  that  this  is  a  subject  on 
which  none  but  very  intimate  friends  will  ever  ven- 
ture to  address  you.  If  you  were  to  make  a  blunder 
in  conversation,  as  to  a  point  o^  grammar,  ot  oi  his- 
tory, any  common  friend  might  be  expected  to  give 


LETTERS    ON    CLERICAL    MANNERS.  l5 

you  some  hint  of  your  delinquency.  But  if  you 
were  every  day  to  fall  into  some  offence  against  the 
delicacy  of  polished  manners^  there  is  not  one  friend 
in  a  hundred  that  would  take  the  liberty  to  intimate 
it  to  you.  There  is  something  so  unpardonably  of- 
fensive to  most  people  in  suggesting  to  them  that 
they  are  deficient  in  good-breeding,  that  very  i^^ 
will  venture  on  the  friendly  office,  even  with  their 
most  intimate  friends.  It  is  no  proof  then,  that  the 
imputation  of  which  I  speak  is  groundless,  because 
you  may  not  have  heard  it  spoken  of  by  those 
around  3  ou.  If  those  wlio  know  you  best,  and  love 
you  most,  are  not  respectfully  listened  to  on  such  a 
subject,  you  cannot  expect,  from  its  very  nature,  to 
hear  of  it  from  any  other  quarter.  I  have  known, 
in  the  course  of  my  life,  several  excellent  men,  whose 
manners  were,  in  various  respects,  so  extremely 
faulty,  and  even  disgusting,  that  they  were  objects  of 
ridicule,  and,  in  some  instances,  almost  of  scorn, 
wherever  they  went.  Their  good  qualities,  though 
many  and  striking,  were  absolutely  lost  sight  of,  on 
account  of  the  prominence  of  two  or  three  ridicu- 
lous foibles.  By  means  of  these  their  usefulness  was 
not  only  impeded,  but  in  a  great  measure  destroyed. 
And  all  this,  because  they  were  unconscious  of  the 
evil  themselves,  or  at  least,  of  the  extent  of  it :  and 
their  friends  had  not  been  faithful  enough  to  apprize 
them  of  that  which  all  who  conversed  with  them 
saw  and  deplored,  and  which  a  little  attention  and 
resolution,  especially  if  applied  in  early  life,  might 
have  effectually  corrected. 


1G  LETTEKS    ON    CLERICAL    MANNER*. 

I  am  aware  that  many  very  worthy  men  entertaiu 
strong  prejudices  against  all  formal  precepts  or  ex- 
hortations  on  the  subject  of  manners,  and  are  ready 
to  consider  them  as  worse  than  useless.  These 
prejudices  arise  from  various  sources. 

In  some  they  are  the  result  of  ignorance.  Many 
pious,  conscientious  men,  and  even  some  clergymen, 
are  so  totally  ignorant  of  the  world  ;  so  unacquainted 
with  the  most  obvious  and  established  proprieties  of 
life  ;  and  so  little  aware  how  greatly  a  striking  de- 
fect, as  to  this  point,  affects  any  man's  acceptance 
and  usefulness  in  society,  that  when  they  hear  the 
subject  introduced  as  a  matter  of  serious  discussion, 
they  consider  it  as  beneath  their  attention.  Preju- 
dices arising  from  such  a  source  are,  surely,  unwor- 
thy of  respect.  As  well  might  we  allow  the  judgment 
of  the  profoundly  illiterate  man  to  weigh  against 
learning.  He  despises  or  undervalues  that  of  which 
he  is  not  a  competent  judge ;  while  those  who  are 
the  best  judges,  that  is,  who  themselves  possess  the 
accomplishment  in  question,  and  who  have  had  the 
most  ample  opportunity  of  witnessing  its  influence 
and  value,  have  always  been  found  to  estimate  it 
most  highly.  I  never  met  with  a  man  of  tolerable 
manners  himself,  who  did  not  consider  the  subject  as 
very  important,  and  worthy  of  the  diligent  attention 
of  every  one  who  desired  to  be  acceptable  and  use- 
ful to  his  fellow  men. 

The  prejudices  of  others  against  every  attempt  to 
regulate  and  polish  clerical  manners,  seem  to  arise 
from  that  EccENTaiciTYvOr^as  I  would  rather  call 


LETTERS    ON    CLERICAL    MANNERS.  17 

it,      that     AFFECTATION       OF       SINGULARITY,     which 

prompts  them  to  delight  in  those  manners  which  are 
strunge  diud  pecidia7\  and  to  look  with  a  sort  of 
contempt  on  all  rules  of  behaviour.  There  are 
persons,  and  even  ministers  of  the  gospel,  who  love 
to  be  singular ;  who  take  pleasure  and  pride  in  being 
thought  above  the  ordinary  lav/s  of  social  inter- 
course :  who,  of  course,  violate  those  laws  without 
ceremony ;  and  make  no  scruple  of  indulging  in 
what  they  know  to  be  considered  as  rough,  offensive 
manners.  The  miserable  vanity  of  being  thought 
independent,  of  setting  at  defiance  publick  senti- 
ment, makes  them  entirely  undervalue,  for  them- 
selves, every  code  of  rules  of  which  the  object  is  to 
make  them  act  like  civilized  people.  And  not  con- 
tent with  this,  they  endeavour  to  pour  ridicule  on 
every  attempt  either  to  form  or  enforce  such  a  sys- 
tem in  regard  to  others.  When  weak  or  wicked 
men  allow  themselves  to  take  this  ground,  it  is  little 
to  be  wondered  at,  and  will  probably  do  little  mis- 
chief: but  when  good  men  permit  themselves  to  as- 
sume  so  absurd  a  position,  they  know  not  what  they 
do.  The  consequences  cannot  fail  to  be  injurious, 
and  sometimes  to  a  deplorable  extent. 

But  a  still  larger  class,  1  suspect,  are  prejudiced 
against  all  such  discussion  as  that  to  which  I  would 
request  your  attention,  from  an  entire  misappre- 
hension OF  the  object  aimed  AT  IN  SUCH  DIS- 
CUSSION. Many  have  seen  so  much  of  the  affecta- 
tion and  folly  of  false  pretensions  to  politeness  ;  and 
heard  so  much  of  the  hollow,  insincere  system  of 
B  2 


18  LETTERS    ON    CLERICAL    JVr^iNNERS. 

artificial  manners  inculcated  by  Lord  Chester fiel3^ 
and  others,  of  the  same  school,  who  have  sometimes 
appeared  willing  to  sacrifice  every  substantial  quali- 
ty at  the  shrine  of  "  the  graces  ;" — that  they  have 
conceived  a  disgust  at  ewery  thing  like  rules  or  pre- 
cepts on  the  subject  of  manners.  And  whenever 
they  hear  the  subject  mentioned,  they  take  for  grant- 
ed that  the  object  aimed  at  is  that  courtly  polish-, 
that  graceful  and  punctilious  adjustment  of  smiles^ 
bows,  dress,  and  minute  attentions,  which  form  so 
large  a  part  of  the  Chesterfieldian  code.  Nothing, 
my  dear  young  friend,  is  more  remote  from  my  purr 
pose  than  the  adoption  of  this  exceptionable,  and, 
in  some  of  its  parts,  profligate  system.  For,  although 
it  certainly  embraces  many  precepts  and  suggestions 
v/hich  are  worthy  of  the  attention  of  every  man 
who  wishes  to  be  acceptable  in  well-bred  society ; 
it  also  embraces  much,  very  much  which  no  chris^ 
tian  can  regard  but  with  unmingled  abhorrence.  It 
has  been,  indeed,  not  unjustly  said,  by  some  one, 
that  the  "  Letters  to  his  Son,"  of  that  far-famed 
nobleman,  inculcate  "the  morals  of  a  prostitute, 
and  the  manners  of  a  dancing-master."  Tliis  is  all 
true  ;  and  no  one  reprobates  the  spirit,  and  many  of 
the  details,  of  those  "  Letters"  more  heartily  than 
he  who  now  addresses  you.  -  Still,  however,  let  us 
not  indulge  in  prejudice  against  a  whole  subject,  be- 
cause it  has  been  weakly  or  wickedly  treated.  Let 
us  not  imagine  that  it  is  unworthy  of  our  serious  re- 
gard, because  perverted  and  corrupt  views  of  it 
have  been  sometimes  taken.     No  man  in  his  senses 


LETTERS    ON    CLERICAL    MANNERS,  1.9 

considers  the  use  of  our  daily  food  as  improper  or 
unnecessary,  because  the  votaries  of  sensual  indul- 
gence, have  ransacked  all  the  stores  of  ingenious 
refinement,  to  pamper  the  appetite,  and  gratify  the 
palate,  and  have  sometimes  employed  the  most 
shameful  means  to  accomplish  their  object. 

Let  me  entreat  you,  then,  to  recollect,  that  when 
1  earnestly  recommend  to  you  the  cultivation  of 
proper  clerical  manners,  it  is  by  no  means  my  pur- 
pose to  recommend  those  starched,  artificial,  formal 
manners,  which  display  constant  effort  and  con- 
straint; or  those  ostentatious,  splendid,  and  grace- 
fully refined  manners,  which  are  formed  upon  mere 
worldly  principles  ;  which  qualify  their  possessor  to 
make  a  distinguished  figure  in  a  ball-room,  or  at  the 
levee  of  a  great  man,  and  which  manifest  that  he 
has  studied  Chesterfield  more  than  his  bible.  So 
far  from  this  is  my  aim,  that  I  am  persuaded,  many 
persons  who  pass  for  well-bred,  and  even  highly 
bred,  in  such  scenes,  are  among  the  most  disgusting 
and  troublesome,  and,  of  course,  among  the  worst- 
bred  people  in  the  world.  But  my  object  is  to  re- 
commend those  manners  which  become  the  chris- 
tian GENTLEMAN ;  wliich  naturally  flow  from  the 
meekness,  gentleness,  purity,  and  benevolence  m* 
our  holy  Religion  ;  and  which  both  the  precepts 
and  examples  of  the  Bible  equally  recommend. 

There  are  others,  who,  whenever  we  speak  of 
appropriate  clerical  manners^  ^nsider  us  as  de- 
signing to  recommend  that  habitualwestraint  and 
sanctimoniousness  of  demeanor,  which  approaches 


20  LETTERS    ON    CLERICAL    MANNERS. 

to  a  sort  of  professional  dissimulation.     They 
suppose  that,  in  the  formation  of  clerical  character, 
there  are   certain  glosses  and  concealments  which 
clerical   policy   requires  to   be  studied,  and  which 
are  intended  to  deepen  and  extend  their  impression 
on  the   popular   mind.     And,  therefore,  whenever 
they  hear  of  precepts  and  advices  to  candidates  for 
the  ministry,  in  relation  to  this  subject,  they  regard 
them  as  making  a  part  of  an  attempt  to  initiate  them 
into  the  mysteries  of  their  profession,  by  which 
their  reign  over  the  minds  of  men  may  be  more  ef- 
fectually maintained.     This  seems  to  be  the  pre- 
vailing opinion  of  infidels  ;  and  also  of  all  those  pro- 
fessed friends  to  the  christian  ministry,  who,  being 
in  a  great  measure  regardless  of  spiritual  living,  and 
holy  example  themselves,  are  apt  to  refer  to  affec- 
tation, and  even   to  hypocrisy,  every  thing  which 
would  establish  a  system  of  deportment  more  retir- 
ing, serious,  and.  self-denied,  than  their  own.     Such 
artificial  manners,,  it  must  be  owned,  have  not  been 
uncommon  among  ecclesiastics  in  certain  parts  and, 
ages  of  the  world.     But  they  will  be  regarded  with 
unmingled  abhorrence  by  every  honest  man,  to  say 
nothing  of  christian  principle.     I  can  only  say,  that 
1  neither  plead  nor  wish  for  any  thing  of  this  kind. 
My  object  is  by  no  means  to  help  you  to  weave  a 
■^  professional  cloak,"  for  the  purpose  of  covering 
mental  imbccihty,  corrupt  practice,  or  sinister  de- 
sign.    It  is  not  t^ recommend  a  buckram  dress,  for 
the  purposeWr^elling  familiarity,  or  inspiring  with 
awe.     But,  simply,  to  help   you  to  appear^  what 


LETTERS    ON    CLERICAL    JIANNERS.  ^1 

you  ought  to  be^ — a  pious,  benevolent,  amiable 
nian  ;  respectfully  attentive  to  the  w^elfare  and  com- 
fort of  all  around  you ;  and  seeking,  habitually  and 
supremely,  to  promote  the  best  interest  of  mankind. 
By  good  manners^  then,  I  beg  you  will  under- 
stand me  to  mean,  those  manners  which  christian 
purity  and  benevolence  recommend,  and  which? 
where  those  graces  reign,  they  will  ever  be  found 
substantially  to  produce.  Dr.  Witherspooji^  in  his 
■'Letters  on  Education,"  while  strongly  urging  the 
utility  and  importance  of  polished  manners,  remarks, 
that  "  true  religion  is  not  only  consistent  with,  but 
necessary  to,  the  perfection  of  true  politeness  ;"  and 
fortifies  his  opinion  by  "  a  noble  sentiment,''  as  he 
calls  it,  of  the  Prince  of  Conti^  viz.  that  "  worldly 
politeness  is  no  more  than  an  imitation  or  impeV' 
feet  eopy  of  christian  charity,  being  the  pretence, 
or  outward  appearance,  of  that  deference  to  the 
judgment,  and  attention  to  the  interest  of  othersj 
which  a  true  christian  has  as  the  rule  of  his  life,  and 
the  disposition  of  his  heart."  And,  truly,  we  have 
only  need  to  see  an  example  of  that  unaffected  kind- 
ness, affability,  respectfulness,  gentleness,  and  atten- 
tion to  the  feelings  and  comfort  of  all  around  us,  which 
real  religion  at  once  demands  and  inspires,  united 
with  the  gravity,  dignity,  and  prudence,  becoming 
those  who  remember  that  for  every  word  and  action 
they  must  give  an  account  •, — we  have  only,  I  say^ 
to  see  this  happy  union  of  qualities  fairly  exempli- 
fied in  human  deportment,  to  be  convinced  that  no- 
thing can  be  more  nobly  beautiful  or  attractive,  in 


*  ■ 


22  LETTERS    ON    CLERICAL    MANNERS. 

the  view  of  every  thinking  beholder,  than  the  uiv 
dissembled  expression  of  pure  christian  feehng: 
and,  of  course,  that  to  be  an  humble  and  assiduous 
imitator  of  Christ,  is  the  shortest  way  for  a  minister 
of  the  Gospel,  or  any  other  man,  to  exhibit  the  most 
perfect  manners  of  which  our  nature  is  capable. 

So  much  for  the  general  principle.  Cultivate 
the  christian  temper,  and  you  will  always,^  in  pre- 
cisely the  same  proportion,  lay  the  best  and  the 
only  true  foundation  for  the  manners  which  I  recom- 
mend. But  if  you  wish  to  reduce  this  great  princi- 
ple to  practice,  two  things  are  to  be  remembered. 

The  Jirst  is,  that,  as  the  growth  of  christian  prin- 
ciple, in  the  individual  heart,  is  a  gradual  process  ; 
as  it  is  by  no  means  a  spontaneous  affair ;  but  re- 
quires the  most  assiduous  and  laborious  culture ;  so 
the  drawing  out  of  that  principle  into  all  the  practi- 
cal duties  of  life,  is  far  from  being  an  easy  task.  It 
requires  unceasing  self-denial,  prayer,  and  watch- 
fulness ;  and  embraces  a  large  class  of  duties,  which 
cannot  be  expected  to  be  developed',  in  all  their  re- 
lations and  aspects,  without  being  made  the  object 
of  diligent  and  daily  attention.  Our  pride,  our  va- 
nity, our  selfishness,  our  envy,  our  irascible  feelings, 
our  indolence,  and  indeed  every  corruption  of  our 
nature,  are  all  so  many  obstacles  to  the  faithful  dis- 
charge of  these  duties.  It  happens,  moreover,  that 
the  application  of  christian  principle  to  the  various 
departments  of  social  intercourse,  in  all  their  inte- 
resting and  delicate  details  ;  in  other  words,  the 
code  of  what  may  be  called  Christian  morals^  has 


LETTERS    ON    CLERICAL    MANNERS,  23 

been  less  happily  illustrated  and  enforced  by  books 
than  any  other  part  of  christian  truth  or  duty.  In 
its  leading  outlines,  indeed,  it  has  been  often  and 
well  exhibited  :  but  the  task  of  minutely  filling  up 
what  the  Scriptures  have  so  divinely  sketched,  has 
never  yet,  unless  I  greatly  mistake,  been  satisfacto 
rily  performed.  And  yet,  perhaps,  there  is  no  sub- 
ject which,  on  a  variety  of  accounts,  requires  to  be 
exhibited  in  more  minute  detail,  or  urged  with  more 
constant  reiteration,  than  this.  Still  no  popular, 
adequate  treatise  on  this  subject,  so  far  as  I  know, 
is  to  be  found.  And,  of  course,  those  who  desire  to 
attain  excellence  in  this  department  of  duty,  have 
the  greater  need  to  study  it  carefully  for  themselves, 
and  to  embrace  every  opportunity  of  becoming  more 
and  more  at  home  in  its  requisitions. 

The  second  consideration  which  deserves  our  no- 
tice is,  that  many  of  those  delicate  proprieties  of 
behaviour,  which  the  Taws  of  social  intercourse  de- 
mand, though  founded,  in  general,  on  christian  prin- 
ciple, may  be  considered  as,  in  part,  the  result  of 
conventional  agreement  among  well-bred  people. 
Of  course,  to  be  adequately  acquainted  with  them, 
requires  no  small  knowledge  of  the  world,  as  well 
as  knowledge  of  the  Bible,  and  of  other  good  books. 
That  young  man  will  find  himself  egregiously  de- 
ceived, who  imagines  that  he  can  gain  in  his  study 
all  the  information  that  is  necessary  on  this  subject. 
This  would  be  just  as  unreasonable  as  to  find  any 
one  expecting  to  attain  eminence  as  a  military  com- 
mander, without  ever. seeing  a  field  of  battle.     You 


24  LETTERS    ON    CLERICAL    MANNERS, 

must  be  acquainted  with  the  actual  world.  You 
must  see  and  study  man  as  he  is.  You  must  become 
acquainted  with  the  rules  which  regulate  social  in- 
tercourse, as  exemplified  in  polished  christian  socie- 
ty. You  must  even  become  acquainted  with  "  the 
world  which  lieth  in  w^ickedness,''  and  know  some- 
thing of  the  laws  which  govern  the  intercourse  of 
those  who  make  no  profession  of  religion,  that  you 
may  know  how  to  understand  and  treat  them  ;  how 
to  meet  them  on  their  own  ground,  and  to  adopt  the 
best  methods  of  conciliating  and  gaining  them.  You 
must  not,  for  a  moment,  suppose  that  what  is  called 
a  knowledge  of  the  world,  necessarily  implies  con- 
formity  to  it.  All  that  it  implies,  and  all  that  I 
would  recommend,  is  such  an  acquaintance  with  the 
assemblage  of  facts  in  relation  to  this  subject,  as 
will  enable  you  to  adopt  them  where  they  are  good, 
or  indifferent ;  to  avoid  them  where  they  cannot  be 
defended ;  and  to  make  the  whole  subservient  to 
the  interest  of  your  Divine  Master. 

Do  you  ask  me,  how  the  "  knowledge  of  the 
w^orld"  of  which  I  speak  is  to  be  obtained  ?  I  an- 
swer,— Not  from  hooks ;  they  cannot  teach  it ; 
though  they  may  make  useful  suggestions,  and  may 
put  you  on  the  proper  track  for  learning :  which 
alone  is  the  humble  office  I  assign  to  this  httle  vo- 
lume.— Neither  can  parents  always  teach  it ;  for 
frequently  they  possess  it  not  themselves  ;  and  even 
when  they  do  possess  it,  it  is  incomparably  more  dif- 
ficult to  be  conveyed  to  others,  than  any  species  of 


LETTERS    ON    CLERICAL    MANNERS.  25 

book  knowledge  that  can  be  named.  Nor  is  it  to  be 
learned  even  by  going  continually  into  society,  as 
many  have  done,  who,  nevertheless,  were  as  igno- 
rant of  mankind  at  the  end  of  a  long  life,  as  they 
were  when  they  entered  on  their  course. — But  if 
you  desire  to  learn  it,  you  must,  first  of  all,  be  in 
good  earnest  in  paying  close  attention  to  the  sub- 
ject. You  must  feel  its  importance.  While  you 
study  carefully  the  best  examples  left  on  record  in 
the  sacred  Scriptures,  you  must  study,  with  no  less 
care,  the  living  and  acting  world  around  you.  You 
must  have  an  eye  and  an  ear  on  the  watch  for  in. 
struction  respecting  it,  every  day  that  you  live,  and 
in  every  company  that  you  enter.  You  must  watch 
with  especial  vigilance,  every  part  of  the  manners^ 
deportment,  and  conversation  of  the  wise,  the  vir- 
tuous and  the  pohshed  with  whom  you  may  happen 
to  associate  from  time  to  time.  The  true  reason 
why  so  many  are  in  the  world,  and  even^  sometimes 
in  the  polite  and  great  world,  for  threescore  years 
together,  without  gaining  a  particle  of  what  we  call 
real  "  knowledge  of  the  world," — no  doubt  is,  that 
they  have  ahvays  passed  along  through  society  either 
with  so  much  levity  and  inattention,  or  with  so 
much  hebetude  of  feeling,  as  to  tliis  particular  point, 
that  they  have  observed  nothing,  and,  of  course, 
learned  nothing.  They  have,  therefore,  closed 
their  career,  in  old  age,  just  as  ignorant,  in  this  re- 
spect, as  they  were  in  the  tenderest  boyhood.  In 
short,  if  men  have  not  the  knack  of  closely  observing, 
and  the  faculty  also  of  laying  up  their  experience, 


56  LETTERS    ON    CLERICAL    MANNERS. 

and  profiting  by  their  observation,  I  know  of  no  waj 
in  which  thej  can  hope  to  become  tolerable  adepts 
in  the  science  of  human  nature,  however  ample  and 
long  continued  the  external  advantages  which  they 
may  enjoy. 

Do  you  ask  me,  of  what  real  importance,  after  all, 
well  regulated  and  polished  manners  can  be,  to  a 
man  engaged  in  an  employment  so  elevated  and 
momentous  as  that  of  a  minister  of  the  gospel  ?  Is  it 
not  a  matter,  perhaps  you  will  inquire,  rather  too 
small  to  engage  the  attention  of  one,  whose  time 
and  talents  ought  to  be  occupied  about  much  more 
exalted  things  ?  That  a  clergyman  ought  not,  aiid^ 
consistently  with  his  usefulness,  cannot,  have  man- 
ners either  glaringly  ridiculous,  or  grossly  ofTensive. 
you  will  say,  you  allow:  but  where  is  the  great  ad- 
vantage of  pushing  the  cultivation  of  the  exterior  be- 
yond this  negative  character  ?  I  have  often  heard 
HUggestions  of  this  kind;  but  am  deliberately  of  the 
opinion  that  they  are  founded  in  false  and  narrow 
views  of  human  nature,  and  of  human  society. 

For,  in  the  first  place,  with  respect  to  large  num- 
bers of  those  with  whom  clergymen,  as  wellas  others, 
are  called  to  associate,  they  look  quite  as  much,  if 
not  more,  to  manners  than  to  solid  worth.  They  are 
poor  judges  of  talents,  learning,  prudence,  and  even 
piety ;  but  of  easy,  mild,  respectful,  amiable  man- 
ners, every  one  is  a  judge;  and,  of  course,  every  one 
is  capable  of  being  favourably  impressed  by  them- 
Can  there  be,  then,  a  more  obvious  dictate,  both  of 
pohcy  and  duty,  than  to  cultivate  that  which  to  mul- 


LETTERS    ON    CLERICAL    MANNERS.  27 

titudes  is  more  attractive  than  real  merit ;  which  se- 
cures to  merit  a  hearing,  and  an  influence  which  it 
would  not  otherwise  obtain  ;  and  which  will  be  like- 
ly, in  many  cases,'to  open  a  door  to  usefulness,  which, 
without  it,  would,  in  all  probabihty,  have  continued 
impenetrably  closed  ?  In  repeated  instances,  have  I 
known  men  of  weak  minds,  and  of  small  information, 
but  of  remarkably  fascinating  manners,  carry  all  be- 
fore them,  in  circles  of  society,  into  which  men  of  far 
higher  qualificaaons,  both  intellectual  andmoral,but 
defective  in  the  attractions  of  manner,  were  scarcely 
able  to  obtain  admittance.  A  soft,  insinuating  ad- 
dress has,  a  thousand  times,  rendered  its  possessor 
triumphant,  when,  upon  every  principle  of  truth  and 
justice,  he  ought  to  have  failed. 

But,  in  the  second  place,  it  is  not  only  true  that, 
in  very  large  portions  of  society,  a  well  regulated 
manner  is  every  thing ;  atoning  for  the  want  both 
of  virtue  and  knowledge,  and  frequently  superseding 
the  highest  worth  ;  but  it  has  more  influence,  even 
with  the  most  discerning  and  virtuous,  than  is  com- 
monly imagined.  To  every  human  being,  that  which 
is  intrinsically  excellent,  appears  doubly  attractive 
when  presented  in  a  pleasing  manner.  Truth,  even 
to  those  who  know  it  to  be  truth,  finds  a  more  cor- 
dial welcome ;  and  duty,  even  among  its  most  sin- 
cere and  enlightened  friends,  commands  a  more  rea- 
dy obedience,  when  they  are  clothed  in  an  attractive 
garb,  and  speak  in  alluring  accents.  That  the  very 
same  words,  which,  when  uttered  by  sonpe,  are  into- 
lerably offensive,  when  spoken  in  the  mild  respect- 


2S  LETTERS    ON    CLERICAL    MANJJERS. 

ful  manner  of  others,  are  welcome  and  even  delight- 
ful ;  that  the  very  same  action,  which, performed  by 
some,  is  censured,  when  performed  by  others,  of  per- 
haps, less  talent  or  virtue,  is  lauded  to  excess;  are 
among  the  most  notorious  facts  in  human  life  ;  and 
that  not  in  the  circles  of  the  ignorant  and  unprinci- 
pled only  :  but  also  in  those  of  the  most  estimable 
portions  of  mankind. 

How  is  it  possible,  then,  for  a  thinking  man  to 
consider  the  subject  on  which  I  address  you  as  un- 
worthy of  his  regard,  or  as  even  of  small  importance  ? 
To  adopt  this  opinion,  is  equally  to  oppose  reason 
and  experience,  and  to  set  at  naught  some  of  the 
most  precious  means  of  gaining  access  to  the  human 
heart. 

Let  me  entreat  you  to  remember,  too,  that  those 
who  bear  the  office  to  which  you  aspire,  stand  more 
peculiarly  in  need  of  the  aid  which  polished  and  at- 
tractive manners  furnish,  than  any  other  class  of  men. 
To  them  the  use  of  "carnal  weapons"  is  interdicted. 
They  neither  have,  nor  ought  to  have,  as  ministers, 
any  other  influence  in  society,  than  that  which  arises 
from  the  sacredness  of  their  office,  the  excellence  of 
their  character,  and  the  attraction  of  their  manners. 
It  is  their  great  business  to  win  men  to  the  love  of 
the  truth  and  of  duty  by  moral  means^  and  among 
others,  by  exhibiting  in  their  own  temper  and  lives, 
the  meek,  lowly,  amiable,  and  benevolent  spirit  of 
the  religion  which  they  inculcate.  If  they  fail  of  do- 
ing this,  they  fail  in  one  of  the  most  important  means, 
of  professional  success.  And  yet  it  is  plain  that  every 


LETTERS    ON    CLEllICAL    MANNERS.  29 

minister  must  essentially  fail  here  who  does  not  suc- 
ceed in  setting  forth,  in  his  own  person,  a  style  of 
manners  adapted  to  conciliate  the  respect  and  good 
will  of  all  whom  he  approaches. 

And  when  I  recollect  how  extremely  important 
the  first  steps  of  a  young  minister  are ;  at  how 
early  and  inexperienced  an  age  he  frequently  enters 
on  his  publick  work;  how  much  depends  on  the 
character  of  his  habits  and  manners  when  he  is  least 
sensible  of  the  fact ;  and  how  completely  he  may 
prostrate  his  dignity,  and  foreclose  his  usefulness,  by 
a  ie^f  ridiculous  foibles,  or  inadvertent  habits,  of  the 
existence  of  which  it  would  be  sometimes  difficult 
to  convince  him  : — I  say,  when  I  recollect  all  these 
things,  I  am  astonished  that  candidates  for  the  min- 
istry think  so  little  of  this  matter,  and  are  so  little 
concerned  to  form  a  style  of  manners,  which  may 
he  conducive,  at  once,  to  their  comfort  and  useful^ 
iiess. 

Allow  me  further,  my  dear  young  Friend,  to  re- 
mark, that  if  you  wish  to  succeed  in  forming  such 
manners  as  it  is  the  object  of  these  pages  to  recom- 
mend, you  must  begin  early  and  labour  pa- 
tiently; otherwise,  you  will  never  make  the  at- 
tainment. As  the  disciphne  of  the  temper  and  feel- 
ings ought  to  be  commenced  with  the  earhest  dawn 
of  reason,  and  is  the  work  of  a  lifetime ;  so  the  dis- 
cipline of  the  manners,  if  the  expression  may  be  al- 
lowed, depending  as  it  does  for  success  on  "  ruhng 
our  spirits,"  should  be  begun  as  early  as  possible ;  the 
sooner  the  better.  Say  not,  it  is  too  soon  for  yoic 
c  2 


30  LETTERS^  ON   CLERICAL   MANITEiRS. 

to  begin  to  '•^ put  on  the  clergyman^''  when  you 
are  only  in  the  second  year  of  your  theological  stu- 
dies. Let  me  tell  you,  my  friend,  if  you  begin  nowy 
and  labour  in  this  species  of  culture  with  the  utmost 
assiduity,  I  shall  consider  you  as  doing  great  things 
if  you  succeed  in  forming  even  tolerable  clerical 
manners  by  the  time  you  are  ready  to  enter  the  pul- 
pit. It  is,  as  I  have  already  said,  a  gradual  work. 
In  the  conflict  with  your  old  habits,  and  your  un- 
hallowed feelings,  you  will  have  many  a  painful 
struggle,  and  will  probably  suffer  many  a  discourag- 
ing defeat.  It  will  be  much  if  you  ultimately  gain 
the  victory.  If  you  are  so  happy,  you  will  find  it  to 
Ibe  no  easy  conquest.  But,  when  gained,  it  will  be 
the  most  glorious  and  the  most  precious  of  all  vic- 
tories  A  VICTORY  OVER  YOURSELF. 

You  will  perceive  that  my  counsel  extends  be- 
yond the  time  that  you  propose  to  spend  in  the 
Theological  Seminary,  and,  indeed,  will  apply,  in 
some  of  its  parts,  to  the  whole  of  your  clerical 
life,  should  it  be  ever  so  long.  This  was  ex- 
pressly intended.  It  occurred  to  me  that  a  little 
manual,  addressed  to  One  of  those  who  bear  to  me 
the  relation  of  Pupils,  adapted  to  promote  his  bene- 
fit, not  only  whi^e  he  continues  in  the  institution  of 
which  I  am  an  officer,  but  when  he  shall  have  taken 
his  leave  of  it,  nay,  as  long  as  he  lives ;  might,  at 
the  same  time,  if  given  through  the  medium  of  the 
press,  be  of  some  use  to  others,  to  whom  I  have  had, 
and  may  yet  have,  the  honour  and  the  pleasure  to 
stand  in  the  same  relation  \  not  merely  in  the  be- 


LETTERS    ON    CLERICAL    MANNERS.  31 

ginning,  but  throughout  the  whole  of  their  course. 
And  if  the  following  pages  should  be  blessed,  in  the 
smallest  degree,  to  your  advantage,  or  that  of  any 
other  individual,  in  preparing  for  a  profession  which 
I  love,  I  shall  consider  niyself  as  abundantly  re- 
warded. 

I  will  only  add,  that  in  preparing  this  little  system 
of  advices,  I  have  by  no  means  forgotten  how  small 
my  title  is  to  assume  the  office  of  teacher  on  such  a 
subject.  It  is  a  maxim  in  physical  science,  that  a 
stream  can  never,  in  ordinary  circumstances,  rise 
higher  than  its  fountain.  If  I  thought  this  maxim 
applied  as  rigidly  in  intellectual  and  moral  culture,  I 
should  lay  down  my  pen  in  despair  :  or  rather,  I  should 
not  have  dared  to  take  it  up  for  the  purpose  of  dis- 
cussing a  subject  at  once  so  delicate  and  difficult. 
But  it  does  not.  Nothing  is  more  common  than  to 
see  pupils  rising  far  higher  than  their  instructors  in 
knowledge  and  practical  wisdom.  This  thought 
comforts  and  animates  me  in  the  undertaking.  My 
office  having  placed  me  in  the  way  of  perceiving 
how  greatly  a  body  of  precepts  and  suggestions  on  this 
subject  is  needed  :  having  neverseen  anything  which 
appeared  to  me  to  approach  toward  answering  the 
purpose  in  view:  knowing  that  all  that  many  ingenuous 
youth  need  to  put  them  on  the  right  track,  is  a  col- 
lection of  hints,  for  setting  their  own  minds  at  work; 
and  hoping  that  what  is  "sown  in  weakness,"  may 
be  "  raised  in  power,"  I  venture  to  make  the  attempt 
which  the  title  of  these  Letters  announces.  May 
our  common  Master  accept  and  bless  it ! 


Z.XSTTER     IZ. 


SEE  THAT  YE  WALK  CIRCUMSPECTLY,  J^VT  AS  FOOLS,  BV. 
AS  WISE.  Eplie3.v.  15. 


GENERAL  CHARACTERISTICKS    OF  CLERICAL  MANXERS. 


My  dear  young  Friend, 

In  pursuing  the  subject  introduced  to  your  view 
in  the  preceding  Letter,  a  question  presents  itself. 
which  seems  to  require  some  discussion,  before  we 
proceed  to  the  details  which  are  intended  to  occupy 
the  following  pages.  The  question  is  this — Is  there 
any  ihin^peculia?^  in  the  style  of  manners  proper 
for  a  minister  of  the  gospel  ?  Ought  the  manners  of  a^ 
clergyman  perceptibly  to^^^er  from  those  of  a  well- 
bred  man  of  a  secular  profession  1  I  think  they  ought. 
That  is  to  say,  I  am  clearly  of  the  opinion  that  they 
ought  to  bear  a  stamp,  in  a  variety  of  particulars, 
characteristick  of  the  hallowed  spirit  and  sacred  of- 
fice with  which  they  are  connected.  All  other  pro- 
fessional men,  indeed,  would  be  the  better  for  having, 
the  same  sort  of  manners  that  I  am  about  to  recom- 
mend to  ministers  of  the  gospel ;  but  with  respect 
to  the  latter,  they  are  so  indispensably  necessary 
to  the  complete  attainment  of  all  those  advantages 
which  manners  can  impart  to  their  possessor,  that 


LETTERS    ON    CLERICAL    MANNERS.  33 

they  may  be  said,  without  impropriety,  to  be  pecu- 
liarly  clerical  in  their  nature. 

If  i  were  to  attempt  to  exhibit  the  peculiarity 
in  question,  I  should  say  it  may  be  expressed  in  six 
words — Dignity,  Gentleness,  Condecension,  •Af- 
fability, Reserve,  and  Uniformity. 

1.  Dignity. — By  this  I  mean  that  happy  mixture 
of  gravity  and  elevation  in  human  deportment, 
which  evinces  a  mind  habitually  thoughtful,  serious, 
and  set  on  high  things.  An  air  and  manner  oppos- 
ed to  levity  ;  opposed  to  that  propensity  to  jesting^ 
which  is  so  often  manifested  by  some  who  bear  the 
sacred  office  ;  opposed  to  what  is  grovelling  ;  op- 
posed, in  short,  to  every  species  of  lightness  or 
volatility,  which,  however  tolerated  in  young  per- 
sons of  secular  professions,  is  barely  tolerated,  even 
in  them,  and  certainly  adds  nothing  to  their  respect- 
ability in  the  view  of  any  one  :  but  which  in  minis- 
ters of  the  gospel,  is  peculiarly  unseemly,  and  never 
fails  to  lower  the  estimation  in  which  they  are  held 
by  all  discerning  people.  I  have  often  thought,  my 
young  friend,  that  you  were  by  far  too  ready  to  give 
way  to  your  risible  feelings.  Every  public  man,  and 
especially  every  clergyman,  ought  to  cultivate  that 
habitual  sedateness,  and  command  of  his  counte- 
nance, which  will  prevent  his  being  the  sport  of  every 
ludicrous  occurrence,  or  merry-andrew,  who  may 
happen  to  be  presented  to  his  view. 

The  dignity  of  which  I  speak  also  requires  its  pos- 
sessor to  avoid  those  companies,  in  which  language, 
and  scenes,  are  likely  to  be  exhibited,  which  ought 


34  LUTTERS    ON    CLERICAL    MANNERS. 

not  to  be  even  witnessed  by  a  minister  of  the  gospel. 
If  any  thing  of  this  kind  be  expected  in  a  company 
before  it  assembles,  a  minister  ought  to  decHne  mak- 
ing one  of  its  number : — And  if,  after  he  has  joined 
it,  there  be  any  indication  of  the  approach  of  such 
scenes,  he  ought  to  take  an  early  opportunity  of  es- 
caping before  they  actually  make  their  appearance. 
Even  dining,  or  tea  parties,  in  which  any  thing 
like  the  reign  of  levity,  and  especially  of  revelry,  is 
anticipated,  ought  to  be  invariably  shunned  by  an 
ambassador  of  Christ.  That  you  will  not  allow  your- 
self to  be  present  at  places  in  which  cards  or  danc- 
ing are  made  a  part  of  the  professed  and  prominent 
entertainment,  I  take  for  granted.  But  I  will  go  fur- 
ther. When  you  are  invited  even  to  what  are  call- 
ed family  parties,  and  you  find  either  cards  or 
dancing  about  to  be  introduced,  though  it  be  on  the 
smallest  scale,  and  in  the  most  domestick  way,  make 
a  point  of  withdrawing.  It  is,  on  all  accounts,  bet- 
ter to  be  absent.  When  a  clergyman  allows  himself 
to  be  found  in  the  midst  of  exhibitions  of  this  na- 
ture, though  he  take  no  part  in  them,  yet,  if  he  have 
a  proper  sense  of  christian  and  ministerial  duty,  he 
will  be  more  or  less  embarrassed  ;  and,  if  he  attempt 
to  be  faithful  in  reproof  or  remonstrance,  may,  per- 
haps, do  more  harm  than  good.  Many  a  minister  of 
Christ,  in  these  circumstances,  has  been  involved  in 
conflicts,  in  the  course  of  which  his  feelings  have 
been  lacerated,  his  dignity  lowered,  and  his  comfort 
wounded  in  no  small  degree.  Lay  it  down  as  a  fix- 
ed principle,  that  you  cannot  possibly  be  in  light, 


LETTERS    ON    CLERICAL    MANNERS.  Sb 

frivolous  company,  or  where  frivolous  engagements 
are  going  on,  even  if  there  be  no  other  mischief^ 
without  having  your  dignity  impaired.  If  the  gravi- 
ty and  respectability  of  your  character  do  not  pre- 
vent every  thing  unseemly,  or  approaching  to  it, 
from  occurring,  it  is  no  place  for  i/ou.  How  much 
better  is  it,  with  a  wise  caution,  to  avoid,  as  far  as 
possible,  ail  such  embarrassing  places  and  compa- 
nies!  The  prudent  man  foreseeth  the  evil,  and 
hideth  himself. 

The  dignity  of  which  I  speak  should  also  prevent 
ministers,  however  youthful,  from  engaging  in  many 
of  those  recreations,  which  may  not  be  unsuitable 
for  others,  but  in  which  one  who  is  officially  bound 
to  be  grave,  ought  not  to  indulge.  If  you  happen 
to  be  thrown  into  young  company,  and  any  of  the 
little  2)lays  which  are  frequently  resorted  to,  by 
youth  of  both  sexes,  for  passing  away  time,  happen 
to  be  introduced,  it  will  be  by  no  means  proper  that 
you  take  any  part  in  them.  However  admissible 
such  plays  may  be  for  children,  or  for  those  who 
are  just  risiiig  above  the  age  of  children,  a  minister, 
or  a  candidate  for  the  holy  ministry,  ought  to  be 
more  gravely  and  approj^^riately  employed. 

Again;  the  dignity  of  maniier  which  I  wish  to  in- 
culcate, may  be  impaired  by  various  little  infelicities 
of  deportment  into  which  those  who  are  not  prudent- 
ly and  delicately  on  their  guard,  may  be  betrayed. 
I  have  known  worthy  men,  who  had  so  little  know- 
ledge of  human  nature,  and  so  little  sense  of  propri- 
ety, that  they  suffered  themselves  to   be  involved 


36  LETTERS    ON    CLERICAL    MANNERS. 

in  angry  contention  with  ostlers,  with  stage-drivers, 
with  boatmen,  and  other  coarse  and  vulgar  men, 
with  whom  they  were  brought  in  contact.  Careful- 
ly avoid  every  thing  of  this  sort.  Rather  suffer 
wrong,  than  run  the  risk  of  a  publick  conflict  with 
those  who  are  generally  rude  and  foul-mouthed,  and 
too  often  altogether  lawless.  It  is  unbecoming 
enough  for  any  grave  man  to^  be  involved  in  such 
controversies  ;  but  for  a  clergymen,  it  is  peculiarly 
unbecoming.  I  might  not  always  estimate  his  taU 
ents ;  but  1  should  certainly  always  estimate  his 
jiersonal  dignity  by  observing  the  degree  of  care 
and  vigilance  with  which  he  avoided  rencounters  of 
this  kind. 

Further ;  when  I  speak  of  dignified  manners  in  a 
minister  of  the  gospel,  1  refer  to  that  character  of 
deportment  which  is  opposed  to  littleness,  not  to 
say  meanness,  in  his  dealings.  There  is  often  found, 
in  this  respect,  in  some  ministers,  otherwise  men  of 
great  excellence,  a  striking  v/ant  of  just  taste  and 
delicacy.  They  can  higgle  and  chaffer  about  a  cent, 
with  almost  as  much  pertinacity  as  might  be  expect- 
ed from  a  beggar.  They  can  resort  to  as  many  pet. 
ty  arts  for  gaining  a  favourable  bargain,  even  in  the 
smallest  ailair,  as  if  dexterity  in  dealing  were  their 
trade.  And,  even  with  the  poorest  individuals  with 
w^hom  they  deal,  they  are  ready  to  contend  about  a 
trifle  with  the  most  determined  obstinacy.  In  short, 
I  have  known  men  of  the  sacred  profession,  in  whom 
the  rage  for  little  savings,  in  all  their  pecuniary 
transactions,  appeared  to  be  a  besetting  infirmity. 


LETTERS    ON    CLERICAL    MANNERS.  37 

and  to  follow  them  through  their  whole  course,  and 
on  some  occasions  led  them  to  exhibit  themselves 
in  a  point  of  light  altogether  unworthy  of  their  of- 
fice. In  making  these  remarks,  I  have  no  design  to 
censure^that  habitual,  and  even  rigid  economy, which 
must,  of  necessity,  and  certainly  ought  to  be  prac- 
tised, by  those  whose  circumstances  are  narrow,  and 
who  have  no  means  of  enlarging  them  ;  and  this  is 
probably  the  case  with  a  majority  of  those  who  de- 
vote themselves  to  the  service  of  the  church,  hi  all 
such,  a  constant  care  to  guard  against  unnecessary 
expenditure  is  not  only  allowable,  but  is,  doubtless, 
a  christian  duty.  But  there  is  a  wide  difference 
between  this,  and  conducting  pecuniary  expendi- 
tures, when  we  resolve  to  incur  them,  in  a  pitiful 
manner ;  a  manner  which  indicates  a  mind  inordi- 
nately set  on  the  most  paltry  gains  and  savings.  I 
remember  once  to  have  received  a  very  unfavoura- 
ble impression  of  a  clergyman,  some  time  since  de- 
ceased, on  observing  that  he  employed  a  considera- 
ble portion  of  precious  time,  and  expended  no  small 
share  of  ingenuity,  in  recovering  from  a  particular 
friend  Jivt  cents,  when  he  had  just  received  from 
that  friend  what  was  of  more  value  than  ten  times 
that  amount  in  value. 

Again  ;  the  dignity  which  I  recommend,  is  oppos- 
ed to  all  those  arts  in  social  intercourse,  which, 
though  not  really  crooked  or  disingenuous  ;  yet  ap- 
proach the  confines  of  what  is  so,  and  may,  possibly, 
be  liable,  with  some,  to  that  imputation.  Make  it  a 
sacred  point  never  to  engage  in  any  covert  or  ques- 

D 


38  LETTERS    ON    CLERICAL    MANNERS. 

tionable  course  of  action.  Let  both  your  speecli 
and  your  conduct  be  always  so  perfectly  fair,  candid 
and  honourable,  that  the  more  they  are  scrutinized, 
the  more  perfectly  correct  and  creditable  they  will 
appear.  Never  venture,  in  any  case,  or  for  the  pur- 
pose of  gratifying  any  person  whatever,  to  do  or  say 
that  which,  if  it  should  become  fully  known  to  the 
publick,  would  place  your  character  in  an  awkward 
point  of  light.  Even,  if  disclosed,  it  be  very  far  from 
fixing  the  charge  of  dishonesty  upon  you,  yet  if  it 
may  expose  you  to  the  charge  of  littleness,  of  impru- 
dence, of  paltry  management,  or  of  undignified  interfe- 
rence in  the  affairs  of  others,  you  will  furnish  matter 
of  regret  to  every  serious  friend  of  clerical  character. 
I  will  only  add,  -that  another  characteristick  and 
advantage  of  dignity  in  manners,  is,  that,  when  pro- 
perly exercised,  it  tends  to  repress  the  risings,  and 
repel  the  approaches  of  impertinence.  I  have  seen 
many  men  in  whose  presence  it  was  impossible  to 
take  any  improper  liberty.  Not  because  they  were 
haughty,  overbearing,  or  sanctimonious ;  but  because 
there  was  such  a  mixture  of  gravity,  respectfulness, 
and  benevolence  in  their  whole  air  and  manner,  that 
the  impertinent,  the  frivolous,  and  of  course,  the  [pro- 
fane, were  abashed  in  approaching  them.  "  There 
is  something  defective,"  says  the  eloquent  Dr.  Jay, 
"  especially  in  a  minister,  unless  his  character  pro- 
duces an  atmosphere  around  him,  which  is  felt  as 
soon  as  entered.  It  is  not  enough  for  him  to  have 
courage  to  reprove  certain  things  ;  he  should  have 
dignity  enough  io prevent  them  ;  and  he  will^  if  the 
christian  be  commensurate  with  the  preacher,  and 


LETTERS    ON    CLERICAL    MANNERS.  39 

lihe  '  walk  worthy  of  God,  who  hath  called  us  into 
his  kingdom  and  glory.'  "* 

2.  Gentleness. — By  this  you  will  readily  perceive 
to  be  meant,  that  habitual  mildness  of  disposition, 
and  softness  of  manner,  which  carefully  guard  against 
every  thing,  in  speech  or  behaviour,  adapted  unne- 
cessarily to  offend  or  to  give  uneasiness.  It  is  op- 
posed to  every  kind  of  harshness  or  undue  severity, 
and  forms  a  deportment  calculated  to  conciliate  and 
attract  all  to  whom  it  is  manifested.  You,  doubtless, 
remember  that  this  disposition,  and  the  correspond- 
ing expressions  of  it,  are  represented  in  Scripture 
as  among  the  fruits  of  the  Spirit.  The  wisdom  that 
is  from  above,  says  the  Apostle  James,  is  gentle. 
And  the  Apostle  Paul,  speaking  particularly  of  min- 
isters, says — The  servant  of  the  Lord  must  not 
strive,  but  be  gentle  unto  all  men,  patient,  in 
meekness  instructing  those  that  oppose  them- 
selves, 

I  am  aware,  indeed,  that  gentleness  has  been  con- 
founded by  many  with  something  very  different,  and 
by  no  means  laudable.  It  has  been  considered  and 
despised,  as  that  tame,  passive  spirit,  which  knows 
not  how  to  deny  the  most  unreasonable,  request, 
or  to  resist  the  most  unjust  encroachment.  There 
cannot,  however,  be  a  greater  mistake.  Some 
of  the  firmest  men  in  the  maintenance  of  their 
own  principles  that  I  have  ever  seen,  were  remark- 
able for  the  mildness  and  gentleness  of  their  manners. 
Perhaps  it  may  even  be  said,  that  those  who  have 

*  Life  of  Winter,  p.  299. 


40       LETTERS  ON  CLERICAL  MANNERS. 

been  most  distinguished  for  the  exercise  of  courage, 
as  a  moral  quality,  have  been,  at  the  same  time,  the 
most  signal  examples  of  bland  and  accommodating 
deportment.  "  True  gentleness,"  says  one, "  is  to  be 
careiully  distinguished  from  the  mean  spirit  of  cow- 
ards, and  the  fawning  assent  of  sycophants.  It  re- 
nounces no  just  right  from  fear  ;  it  gives  up  no  im- 
portant truth  from  flattery.  It  is,  indeed,  not  only 
consistent  with  a  firm  mind,  but  it  necessarily  re- 
quires a  manly  spirit,  and  a  fixed  principle,  in  order 
to  give  it  any  real  value.  It  stands  opposed  to  harsh- 
ness and  severity,  to  pride  and  arrogance,  to  vio- 
lence and  oppression.  It  is  properly  the  manifesta- 
tion of  that  part  of  charity  which  makes  us  unwilling 
to  give  pain  to  any  of  our  brethren.  Compassion 
prompts  us  to  relieve  their  wants  :  forbearance  pre- 
vents us  from  retaliating  their  injuries:  meekness 
restrains  our  angry  passions :  candour  our  severe 
judgments :  but  gentleness  corrects  whatever  is  of- 
fensive in  our  manners  ;  and  by  a  constant  train  of 
humane  attentions,  studies  to  alleviate  the  burden  of 
human  misery." 

A  conscientious  man,  who  is  habitually  intent  on 
doing  good,  will  find  occasion  almost  every  hour  that 
he  spends  in  company,  for  the  exercise  of  this  invalu- 
able spirit,  and  the  deportment  to  which  it  prompts. 
The  occasions  are  extremely  few  in  the  walks  of  so- 
cial intercourse,  in  which  a  blunt,  rough,  or  authori- 
tative manner,  is  either  proper  or  profitable.  Where- 
as, by  a  soft  answer  we  may  turn  away  wrath : 
by  a  mild,  respectful  address,  we  may  at  once  re^ 


LETTERS    ON    CLERICAL    MANNERS.  41 

prdve  impertinence,  disarm  violence,  and  even  put 
brutality  to  shame.  By  making  a  point  of  accosting 
all  whom  we  approach  with  tones  as  well  as  ex- 
pressions of  a  kindly  and  conciliatory  character,  we 
may  often  open  a  way  for  the  reception  of  truth  into 
minds  which  might  have  been  otherwise  invincibly 
closed  against  it.  Learn,  then,  the  happy  art  of  con- 
versing with  gentleness,  of  giving  your  commands 
with  gentleness,  of  arguing  with  gentleness,  of  con- 
tending with  gentleness,  of  even  reproving  with  gen- 
tleness ;  that  is,  of  guarding  against  every  thing  harsh, 
passionate,  or  boisterous  in  your  mode  of  administer- 
ing reproof.  Nay,  do  not  think  it  strange  if  I  go 
further  still,  and  recommend  that  you  cultivate  gen- 
tleness in  all  your  actions  and  movements  ;  in  walk- 
ing, in  changing  your  place  in  the  parlour,  in  open- 
ing and  shutting  doors,  and  in  all  similar  actions. 
There  is 'more  dignity  in  this  mode  of  conducting 
our  movements  than  in  any  other.  There  is  also 
more  safety  ;  for  a  very  large  part  of  the  casualties 
by  which  our  persons  are  injured,  are,  doubtless,  in- 
duced by  the  want  of  gentleness.  Can  it  be  con- 
sidered as  becoming  to  see  a  grave  divine  skipping 
about  with  the  impetuosity  of  a  boy  ;  slamming  doors 
as  if  in  a  passion ;  jerking  chairs  and  other  movea- 
bles which  he  may  have  occasion  to  handle,  as  if 
snatching  them  from  robbers  ;  or  passing  along  the 
streets  with  that  kind  of  military  air,  and  rapid  step 
which  might  be  expected  in  one  who  was  walking 
for  a  wager  ? 

3.  Condescension.  If  you  live  to  be  a  miaister, 
D  2 


42  LETTERS    ON    CLERICAL     5IAN"NEK3. 

a  large  part  of  your  social  and  professional  inter- 
course will  be  with  those  who,  according  to  popu- 
lar language,  are  your  inferiors.  To  the  poor,  the 
deserted,  the  friendless,  the  afflicted  ;— to  these,  if 
you  possess  the  spirit  of  Christ,  your  attention  will 
be  incessant  and  unwearied.  It  is,  therefore,  of 
peculiar  importance  that  you  acquire  the  art  of 
treating  such  persons  in  a  manner  best  adapted  to 
sooth  their  feelings,  inspire  their  confidence,  and 
win  their  affections.  This  can  only  be  done  by  ha- 
bits of  condescension  ;  that  is,  laying  aside  every 
thing  like  an  air  of  haughtiness  or  superiority,  and 
addressing  them  in  the  tones  and  language  of  benevo- 
lent respect.  Guard  against  reminding  them  contin- 
ually, by  your  looks  and  expressions,  that  you  con- 
sider them  as  beneath  you.  Go  to  their  dwellings  as 
a  friend  and  comforter.  Listen  with  patient  attention 
to  their  complaints  and  requests.  Manifest — what 
you  ought  undoubtedly  to  feel — a  readiness  to  serve 
them  to  th6  utmost  of  your  power.  Remember 
that  your  Master,  while  upon  earth,  was  peculiarly 
attentive  to  the  indigent  and  the  miserable ;  and 
that  the  most  tender  and  condescending  language 
that  ever  escaped  from  his  lips,  was  addressed  to 
such  persons,  or  had  a  reference  to  them. 

Let  me  entreat  you  not  only  to  manifest  quite  as 
much  alacrity  in  finding  out  the  hovel  of  poverty, 
and  the  couch  of  suflering,  as  the  mansion  of  the 
rich,  and  the  tai)le  of  feasting  ;  but  also,  when  you 
have  found  the  abode  of  penury  and  affliction,  to 
enter  it  in  the   kipdliest  minnsr;  to  accost  every 


LETTERS  ON  CLERICAL  MANNERS.       43 

member  of  the  humble  circle  with  christian  re- 
spect and  sympathy ;  to  seat  yourself  by  the  bed^ 
side  of  the  sick  and  dying  with  affectionate  bene- 
volence ;  to  pour  the  light  of  instruction,  and  the 
oil  of  consolation  into  their  minds  with  tenderness 
and  patience :  and  to  accommodate  yourself,  as 
your  Master  would  have  done,  to  all  their  wants, 
and  ignorance,  and  darkness,  and  doubts,  and  trials. 
Receive  their  civilities  with  thanks.  Accept  of 
their  homeliest  fare  with  cordiality.  And  study  to 
convince  them,  by  every  proper  method,  that  you 
heartily  wish  them  well,  an^  are  ready  to  do  them 
good.  Need  I  say,  that  such  things  are  grateful  to 
them  to  a  degree  not  easily  expressed  ?  One  of  the 
most  excellent  ministers  I  ever  knew  ;  a  man  of 
refinement  and  polish,  as  well  as  of  ardent  piety, 
exceeded  most  of  my  clerical  acquaintance  in  his 
incessant  attentions  to  the  poor.  He  would  go  to 
the  houses  of  the  meanest  and  poorest,  with  an  ease 
and  freedom  truly  exemplary  ;  would  seat  himself 
on  a  broken  stool  or  block  of  wood,  and  appear  to 
enjoy  himself  as  if  he  were  m  the  most  convenient 
parlour  ;  and  would,  with  a  singular  felicity  of 
manner,  place  those  whom  he  addressed  just  as  much 
at  ease,  as  if  they  were  conversing  with  an  equal. 
It  was  in  reference  to  him  that  a  poor,  but  eminent- 
ly pious  old  woman  said — ''  0,  sir,  you  cannot  think 
how  kind  and  good  he  is.  He^s  not  a  bit  of  a 
gentleman.  He  comes  in,  and  sits  down  in  my 
poor  place  here,  just  as  if  he  had  been  used  to  being 
with  the  like  of  me  all  his  days."     Though  I  knew 


44  LETTERS    ON    CLERICAL    MANNERS. 

the  venerable  man  to  be  a  real  and  uncommonly 
well-bred  gentleman,  I  was  particularly  struck  with 
the  old  woman's  significant  language — '*  He's  not 
a  bit  of  a  gentleman  ;"  and  thought  it  one  of  the 
highest  compliments  she  could  pay  him.  She  had, 
no  doubt,  been  accustomed  to  associate,  in  her  own 
mind,  that  title  with  manners  of  the  supercilious, 
revolting  kind.  An  association  to  which,  I  am 
sorry  to  say,  the  manners  of  many,  who  would  be 
thought  real  gentlemen,  give  too  much  counten- 
ance. 

4.  v/3ffability.  This  quality  of  manners  is  allied 
to  the  last  mentioned  characteristick,  but  still  it  is 
not  the  same.  An  affable  man,  is  one  who  may 
be  approached  and  accosted  without  embarrassment 
or  difficulty.  One  who  has  the  happy  talent  of 
conversing  pleasantly  and  courteously,  and  of  plac- 
ing every  one  in  conversation  with  him  perfectly 
at  his  ease.  Th.e  opposites  of  this  quality  are  cold- 
ness, haughtiness,  habits  of  taciturnity,  arising 
from  whatever  cause,  and,  in  short,  every  thing  in 
manner  that  is  adapted  to  repel,  or  to  prevent  free- 
dom and  comfort  of  approach.  On  the  other  hand, 
the  dispo-sitions  which  lead  to  affability  of  manner, 
are  good  nature,  benevolence,  and  that  habitual 
kindness  of  feeling,  svhich  rejoices  in  the  welfare 
of.  all,  and  especially  of  those  who  look  to  us  for 
instruction,  counsel,  or  any  other  benefit. 

Now  it  is  manifest  that  all  classes  of  men,  and 
especially  of  those  who  are  commonly  called  pro- 
fessional men,  would  find  great  advantage  in  culti- 


LETTERS  ON  CLERICAL  MANNERS.       45 

vating  the  affability  of  which  I  speak.  In  fact  its 
advantages  in  conciliating  publick  favour,  and  in 
facilitating  social  intercourse,  are  incalculable.  But 
to  the  minister  of  the  gospel,  the  importance  of  this 
social  quality  is  peculiar  A  physician  or  a  lawyer 
may  be  remarkably  deficient  in  affability,  and  yet 
his  professional  reputation  and  even  usefulness  may 
sustain  no  material  drawback  on  this  account.  But 
when  a  minister  of  the  gospel  is  thus  deficient,  it 
may  be  maintained  that  his  usefulness  cannot  fail  of 
being,  in  all  cases,  proportionably  diminished.  He 
is  not  only  called  to  visit  ««from  house  to  house;" 
to  address  all  classes  of  persons  on  the  most  impor- 
tant of  all  subjects ;  and  to  study  to  gain  access  to 
the  minds  of  the  high  and  the  low,  the  rich  and 
the  poor,  the  learned  and  the  ignorant  ;  but  all  de- 
scriptions of  persons  are  in  the  habit  of  resorting 
to  him,  in  private  as  well  as  in  publick,  for  counsel 
and  aid.  The  perplexed,  the  doubting,  the  timid, 
the  feeble-minded,  the  tempted,  the  desponding, 
are  all,  it  may  be,  in  succession,  seeking  in  him  a 
counsellor  and  guide.  How  unhappy,  when  his 
personal  manners  are  such  as  to  repel  and  discour- 
age !  How  unhappy,  nay,  in  some  cases  how  fatal 
to  the  eternal  interests  of  men,  when,  instead  of  a 
manner  which  invites  confidence,  and  inspires  free- 
dom of  communication,  the  ambassador  of  Christ, 
by  his  repulsive  mode  of  address,  as  it  were  *<  breaks 
the  bruised  reed,"  <<  quenches  the  smoking  flax,"  or 
so  completely  chills  and  discourages  the  anxious  in- 
quirer, as  to  deter  him  from  eyer  making  a  second 


46  LETTERS    OJ^  CLERICAL    MANNERS. 

visit !  It  is  manifest,  then,  that  by  a  remarkable 
deficiency  in  the  quality  under  consideration,  min- 
isters will  not  only  lose  much  in  regard  to  publick 
favour  and  acceptance  ;  but  what  is  infinitely  more 
important,  by  this  deficiency,  they  may  be  the 
means  of  repelling  from  the  church  of  God  many 
a  soul  who  was  on  the  road  to  salvation,  and  who, 
but  for  this  cause,  might,  humanly  speaking,  have 
reached  the  blessed  goaL 

Say  not  that  an  afiable  man,  like  a  poet,  must  be 
born,  but  cannot  be  made.  That  constitutional 
temperament  has,  in  many  cases,  much  to  do  with 
this  thing,  is  not  denied.  But  it  is  utterly  denied 
that  the  faculty  of  which  I  speak  is  beyond  the 
reach  of  successful  cultivation.  Only  lay  to  heart 
the  importance  of  the  attainment,  and  strive  and 
pray  to  be  enabled  to  make  it,  and  your  labour  will 
not  be  in  vain.  But  there  may  be  a  mistake  here. 
In  attempting  to  be  afiable,  be  not  fawning.  In  en- 
deavouring to  invite  freedom  and  confidence,  do  not 
break  down  the  barriers  of  the  most  perfect  mutual  re- 
spect. For,  in  order  to  form  a  complete  finish  in 
clerical  manners,  there  must  be  a  proper  attention 
to  that  respect  which  is  due  to  the  man,  and  his  of- 
fice, as  well  as  that  which  is  due  to  those  with  whom 
he  converses. 

5.  Reserve.  By  which  I  mean,  not  the  opposite 
oi  frankness ;  but  a  manner  standing  opposed  to 
excessive  and  unseasonable  communicativeness. 
This  is  in  no  respect  inconsistent  with  any  thing 
which  has  been  already  recommended.     The  most 


LfiTTERS    ON    CLERICAL    MANNERS.  47 

attractive  affability  is  not  only  quite  reconcileable 
with  a  delicate  and  wise  reserve  ;  but  really  re- 
quires it,  and  cannot  be  of  the  best  character  with- 
out it.  There  are  many  subjects  on  which  a  minis- 
ter of  the  gospel  ouo'ht  not  to  allow  himself,  in  or- 
dinary cas.'S,  to  talk  with  freedom,  if  at  all ;  and^ 
of  course,  concerning  which,  when  they  are  intro- 
duced, he  ought  generally  to  exercise  a  strict  re- 
serve. Every  wise  man  will  see  at  once  the  rea- 
sons, and  the  importance  of  this  counsel :  especially 
in  reference  to  one  who  bears,  so  many  interesting 
relations  to  those  around  him  as  a  minister  of  reli- 
gion. He  ought  certainly  to  be  affable.  But  if  by 
this  he  should  understand  to  be  meant,  that  he 
ought  to  talk  freely,  at  all  times,  to  all  classes  of 
people,  and  on  all  subjects,  which  the  idle,  the 
meddling,  the  impertinent,  or  the  malignant  may 
choose  to  introduce,  he  would  soon  find  to  his  cost 
that  he  had  totally  misapprehended  the  matter. 
Affability  is  good — is  important ;  but  incessant  and 
indiscriminate  talkativeness,  will  soon  reduce  in 
publick  esteem,  and  entangle  in  real  difficulties,  the 
official  man  who  allows  himself  to  indulge  it. 

There  are  many  points  concerning  which  every 
man  who  wishes  to  hold  a  respectable  standing  in  so- 
ciety, ought  to  exercise  habitual  reserve;  but  con- 
cerning which  it  is  peculiarly  important  that  minis- 
ters  do  so.  A  complete  catalogue  of  them  cannot  be 
given  ;  but  good  sense  and  prudence  will  enable  you, 
for  the  most  part,  to  see  what  ought  to  be  considered 
as  belonging  to  the  list.     You  can  be  at  no  loss,  how- 


48  LETTERS    ON   CLERICAL    MANNERS. 

ever,  to  decide,  that — the  private  affairs  of  your 
neighbours; — the  characters,  plans,  and  conduct  of 
the  absent ; — questions  which  impHcate  the  princi- 
ples and  views  of  other  religious  denominations  ; 
— ^the  conflicts  oi  party  politicians  ; — your  own 
private  concerns-, — they^e//?/  scandal  of  the  neigh- 
bourhood ; — what  others  have  communicated  to 
you,  in  reference  to  delicate  subjects,  whether  under 
the  injunction  of  secrecy  or  not ;  your  opinions  con- 
cerning the  passing  events  and  persons  of  the  day,  un- 
less in  very  clear  and  special  cases;  on  all  these  and 
similar  subjects,  if  you  are  wise  you  will  exercise 
much  reserve ;— nay  you  will  seldom  allow  yourself 
to  converse  at  all,  even  when  all  around  you  are 
chattering  about  them.  You  can  seldom  do  any 
cood  by  talking  on  such  subjects.  "  Let  the  dead 
bury  their  dead."  Your  time  and  breath  ought  to 
be  devoted  to  the  discussion  of  subjects  by  whichyou 
will  be  likely  to  benefit  yourself  and  others,  and  by 
which  you  will  not  be  liable  to  be  implicated  in  any 
difficulty  hereafter. 

It  is  the  part  of  wisdom  also  to  exercise  much  re- 
serve as  to  the  article  of  giving  advice.  It  is  not 
uncommon  for  your  sanguine,  precipitate  men  to 
give  advice,  even  unasked;  and  to  give  it  on  all  oc- 
casions, freely,  when  only  slightly  or  indirectly  solici- 
ted, and  when,  perhaps,  they  have  a  very  imperfect, 
and  altogether  ex-parte  knowledge  of  facts.  This 
is  never  discreet.  A  truly  benevolent  man  ought 
not  to  be,  and  will  not  be  unwilHng  to  incur  the  re- 
sponsibilitv  of  giving  advice,  when  he  sees  his  way 


LETTERS    ON    CLEUICAL    MANNERS.  49 

clear  to  do  so,  and  when  there  is  a  probability  of 
good  being  done  by  it.  But  to  incur  this  responsi- 
bility, needlessly,  with  small  information  on  the  sub- 
ject, and  when  there  is  but  little  hope  of  doing  good, 
is  both  weak  and  rash.  Many  a  man  in  a  publick 
station  has  greatly  impaired  his  influence  by  a  few 
instances  of  such  indiscretion.  In  very  many  cases 
solicitations  for  advice,  while  they  are  kindly  re- 
ceived, and  respectfully  treated,  ought  to  be  denied 
altogether.  Tn  many  other  cases,  all  that  ought  to  be 
done  is  to  state  the  pros  and  cons  in  the  most  impar- 
tial and  luminous  manner  that  we  can,  and,  having 
done  so,  to  leave  the  individual  to  select  his  own 
course  of  conduct. 

But  it  is  not  enough  that  a  minister  himself  exer- 
cise this  prudent  reserve,  both  in  private  and  pub- 
lick.  If  he  have  2.  family^  it  will  be  necessary  to 
inculcate  upon  every  member  of  it,  as  far  as  possible, 
the  exercise  of  the  same  caution.  My  opinion  is,  that 
the  wives  and  children  of  ministers  ought  seldom  to 
allow  themselves  to  speak  of  the  opinions,  plans  and 
movements  of  their  husbands  or  fathers.  In  a  great 
majority  of  cases,  perhaps,  this  may  be  done  without 
the  least  ill  consequence ;  but  when  they  least  ap- 
prehend evil  from  such  communications,  it  may  be 
most  seriously  the  result.  Nor  can  it  ever  be  cer- 
tainly known  when  such  evil  may  arise.  It  is  obvious 
therefore,  that,  in  this  matter,  reserve  ought  to  be 
unceasing  and  vigilant. 

6.  Uniformity,  The  importance  of  this  charac- 
teristick  of  clerical  manners,  is  much  greater  than 

E 


50  LETTERS    ON    CLERICAL    MANNERS, 

would,  at  lirst  view,  appear.  Few  things  have  a 
more  unfriendly  influence  on  our  acceptance  in  so- 
cial intercourse  than  the  opposite  of  what  I  now  re- 
commend. To  be  at  one  time  pointedly  respectful 
and  affable,  and,  at  another,  to  the  same  individual, 
so  cold  and  ungracious  as  to  surprise  and  repel :  to 
treat  an  acquaintance  to-day  with  a  degree  of  atten- 
tion and  kindness  bordering  on  excess,  and  little 
short  of  fawning  ;  and  to-morrow  scarcely  to  recog- 
nize him  at  all,  or  to  pass  him  with  the  most  frigid 
inditference,  is  a  style  of  deportment,  which,  though 
sometimes  seen  in  excellent  men,  is  always  unhappy, 
and  often  in  no  small  degree  mischievous  in  its  influ- 
ence on  social  comfort.  This  apparent  caprice 
arises  from  various  sources  ;  sometimes  from  an  ac- 
tual defect  of  eyesight ;  at  others  from  strange  and 
iitfal  anomalies  of  memory,  of  which  1  have  known 
many  examples ;  perhaps  still  more  frequently  from 
those  revolutions  in  feeling,  which  are  occasioned 
by  a  nervous  system  liable  to  the  alternate  extremes 
of  elevation  and  depression  ;  from  occasional  fits  of 
absence  of  mind  ;  and,  possibly  now  and  then,  from 
an  affectation  of  eccentricity,  which,  however  unwor- 
thy of  a  man  of  sense  and  piety,  has  actually  been 
manifested  by  those  who  claimed  to  possess  both. 

Now,  though  several  of  these  sources  of  apparently 
capricious  manners  may  not  at  all  times  admit  of  a 
perfect  remedy  ;  yet  more  than  one  of  them  may  be 
conntcracted  with  entire  success  ;  and  with  respect 
to  all  of  them,  much  maybe  done  to  diminish  their 
influence.     The  great  secret  of  correction  lies  in  one 


LETTERS    ON    CLERICAL    MANNERS.  51 

word — ATTENTION. — Try  to  learn  the  happy  art  of 
attending  to  each  case  as  it  arises,  as  being  always 
of  more  or  less  importance,  if  not  for  its  own  sake, 
at  least  in  reference  to  the  formation  of  a  suitable, 
habit ;  and  I  have  no  doubt  you  will  soon  be  surpris- 
ed to  perceive  the  degree  of  success  that  has  attend- 
ed your  efforts. 

But  there  is  one  method  of  obviating,  to  a  certain 
extent,  the  evil  under  considemtion,  which,  perhaps, 
may  not  so  readily  occur  to  every  one,  and  especial- 
ly not  to  every  young  man.  I  refer  to  that  impor- 
tant point  in  the  manners  of  all  publick  men,  viz. 
the  wisdom  of  not  being"  over  civil,"  or  excessive 
in  your  polite  attentions  to  any  one.  I  have  known 
ministers,  as  well  as  others,  who  have  been  really 
lavish  in  their  civilities  to  a  iew  individuals  among 
their  friends  and  neighbours ;  so  much  so  as  to  at- 
tract particular  notice;  while  others,  equally,  or 
perhaps  more  worthy,  but  less  conspicuous,  they 
have  scarcely  treated  with  common  decorum.  Their 
coldness  to  the  latter,  would  not  have  been  so  observ- 
able, had  it  not  been  contrasted  with  their  extreme 
civility  to  the  former.  Diversities  of  this  kind  ought 
to  be  as  much  as  possible  avoided;  and  the  correc- 
tion ought  to  be  apphed  to  both  extremes.  It  is  nev- 
er wise  for  a  njinister  to  be  so  excessively  intimate, 
so  inordinately  friendly  with  any  particular  individu- 
al, or  individuals,  among  his  people,  as  to  become  a 
subject  of  remark,  or  to  embarrass  him  in  his  inter- 
course with  others.  Ne  quid  nimis^  is  an  invalua- 
ble maxim,  in  its  application  to  clerical  intimacies 


52  LETTERS    ON    CLERICAL    MANNERS. 

and  civilities,  as  well  as  to  a  thousand  other  things. 
Those  which  are  carried  to  excess,  seldoni  last  long, 
or  end  well.  The  most  truly  judicious  and  generally 
acceptable  publick  men  I  have  ever  known,  were 
remarkable  for  not  being  extremely  civil  to  any,  even 
to  those  whom  they  were  known  most  highly  to 
value  ;  but  for  that  moderate,  yet  vigilant  attention 
to  all,  which  was  by  no  means  inconsistent  with  spe- 
cial friendships,  but  which  indicated  a  desire  to  be 
truly  useful  to  all  classes  of  persons. 

I  hope  you  will  not  be  disposed  to  say,  that  the 
foregoing  counsels  are  adapted  to  form  that  cold, 
selfish,  and  calculating  style  of  manners,  which  ought 
to  be  avoided,  rather  than  cultivated.  If  it  be  so,  I 
am  egregiously  deceived.  Let  me  entreat  you  to  go 
over  every  item  again,  carefully,  and  see  whether  wis- 
dom, prudence,  and  the  word  of  God  do  not  sanction 
them  all.  The  idea  that  the  manners  of  any  one 
ought  to  be  left  to  take  care  of  themselves,  is  a  mis- 
erable delusion.  As  long  as  we  are  bound,  every 
hour,  to  "consider  our  ways,"  and, "  whether  we  eat 
or  drink,  or  whatever  we  do,  to  do  all  to  the  glory  of 
God,"  it  will  be  incumbent  upon  persons,  of  all  ages 
and  stations,  to  endeavour  in  all  things,  even  the  mi- 
nutest, to  "  order  their  conversation  aright."  But 
for  a  minister  of  the  Gospel,  who  stands  continually 
as  a  "  watchman,"  and  a  "  defender,"  on  "  the  walls 
of  Zion  ;"  and  who  is  acting  every  hour,  not  only  for 
himself,  but  also  for  the  church  of  God  ; — for  him  to 
doubt  whether  habitual  care  as  to  every  word,  and 
look,  and  action,  is  incumbent  on  him,  is  indeed, 
strangely  to  misapprehend  his  obligations. 


LETTERS    ON    CLERICAL    MANNERS.  Oo 

If  you  ask  me,  where  you  shall  find  a  model  of 
such  clerical  manners  as  I  have  endeavoured  to  de- 
scribe ;  I  answer,  No  where,  in  all  its  parts,  in  ab- 
solute 'perfection.  This,  however,  is  no  more  a  rea- 
son why  an  attempt  should  not  be  made  to  portray 
and  recommend  such  manners,  than  our  inability  to 
find  a  perfect  pattern  of  the  Christian  temper,  in 
any  mere  maoi,  is  a  reason  why  that  temper  should 
never  be  described  or  inculcated.  But  I  have  been 
so  happy  as  to  meet  with  a  few  examples  of  manners 
nearly  approximating  to  those  which  are  recommend- 
ed in  this  letter.  One  of  the  most  venerable  and  ex- 
cellent clergymen  in  the  United  States,  has  remark- 
ed, that  he  thought  some  of  the  more  polished  and  pi- 
ous of  the  ministers  belonging  to  the  Moravians^  or 
United  Brethren^  furnished  specimens  of  manners 
as  worthy  of  imitation  as  any  he  had  ever  seen.  In 
this  opinion,  1  am  inclined  to  concur.  I  have  mark- 
ed in  a  few  of  those  worthy  men,  that  happy  union 
of  gravity,  dignity,  gentleness,  and  unaffected  kind- 
ness of  deportment,  truly  rare,  and  which  it  would  be 
delightful  to  see  copied  by  every  minister  of  religion 
in  the  land. 


E    ^ 


LXSTTER    ZZX. 


GiriJVG  JVO  OFFEJVCE  /JV  jSJVT  THIJVG,  THAT  THE  MIJ^/S- 
TR YBEJ\rOT  BLAMED.  2 C or.  vi,  H. 


OFFENSIVE    PERSONAL    HABITS. 


My  dear  young  Friend, 

There  are  many  personal  habits,  which  all  polish- 
ed  people  concur  in  regarding  as  offensive ;  and  which 
of  course  cannot  be  indulged  in  the  presence  of  such 
persons,  without  giving  them  pain.  Sometimes,  in- 
deed, so  much  pain,  that,  after  a  while,  the  society  of 
those  who  habitually  indulge  in  them,  if  not  avoided 
altogether,  will  be  in  a  degree  unwelcome,  wherever 
they  go.  These  habits  are  painful  to  well-bred  per- 
sons on  various  accounts.  Some  of  them,  because 
they  are  offences  against  personal  cleanliness; 
others,  because  they  make  an  uncomfortable  impres- 
sion, in  other  respects,  on  the  se?ises  of  those  with 
whom  we  converse  ;  and  a  third  class,  because  they 
indicate  the  absence  of  that  respect  and  attention 
to  those  around  us,  which  every  man  of  correct  de- 
portment is  expected  to  pay,  and  which  he  never 
omits  to  pay,  without  incurring  a  serious  disadvan- 
tage. 

1  propose  in  the  present  Letter,  to  mention  some  of 


LETTERS    ON   CLERICAL    MANNERS.  55 

these  personal  habits.  And  let  me  entreat  you  not  to 
consider  me  as  unnecessarily  minute  or  fastidious  in 
my  enumeration.  Some  of  the  particulars  adverted 
to,  may  excite  a  smile,  and  others  a  less  comfortable 
emotion  ;  you  may  rest  assured,  however,  that  I  shall 
mention  none  but  such  as  I  know  to  be  offensive ; 
to  many  persons  deeply  so ;  and  to  have  been  re- 
marked upon  with  great  severity.  This  is  enough 
for  a  delicate,  conscientious  man  ;  who  will  consi- 
der no  correction  of  an  evil  habit  as  beneath  his  no- 
tice, which  will  give  him  more  ready  access  to  all 
companies,  and  render,  perhaps,  many  of  his  person- 
al efforts  to  do  good  much  more  acceptable  and 
useful. 

1.  Among  these  offensive  habits,  the  first  that  I 
shall  mention,  is  that,  of  spitting  on  the  floors 
AND  CARPETS,  of  the  apartments  in  which  you  are 
seated.  This  is  a  habit  with  which  Americans  are 
constantly  reproached  by  those  Europeans  who  tra- 
vel among  us,  or  who  have  occasion  to  remark  on  our 
national  manners.  Nay,  a  late  writer  in  one  of  their 
periodical  works,  pronounces,  that  "  the  Americans 
must  give  up  all  pretensions  to  good-breeding  as  long 
as  they  allow  themselves  to  spit  on  floors  and  carpets 
in  company,  as  is  now  common  among  them."  I  do 
not  allow  that  this  charge  can  be  said  by  any  means 
to  be  more  "  commonly"  applicable  to  the  better 
portion  of  Americans  than  of  Englishmen.  Still  I 
do  believe  the  habit  in  question  is  more  "  common" 
among  the  plainer  classes  of  our  citizens,  than  it  is 
among  the  corresponding  classes  of  any  nation  on 


56  LETTERS    ON    CLERICAL    MANNERS. 

earth,  of  equal  cultare,  in  other  respects,  with  our- 
selves. And,  truly,  a  habit  so  tiithy,  so  pecuharly 
disgusting,  and  so  calculated  to  give  trouble  to  every 
neat  house-keeper,  may  well  be  regarded  as  equally 
discreditable  to  the  breeding  and  the  benevolence  of 
those  who  allow  themselves  to  practise  it. 

I  have  known  some  persons  who,  in  consequence 
of  their  habitually  chewing  tobacco  or  some  other 
substance,  or  smoking,  were  under  a  necessity  so 
constant  and  pressing  of  discharging  saliva  from  their 
mouths,  that  they  were  really  a  trouble  to  them- 
selves, as  well  as  to  every  body  else.  They  bespat- 
tered the  clothes  and  persons  of  all  who  were  sitting 
in  their  immediate  vicinity  ;  defiled  ttie  floor  or  carpet 
beyond  endurance  ;  and  thus  rendered  themselves  a 
nuisance  in  every  house  which  they  entered.  Indeed  I 
have  known  a  few  tobacco-chewers,inwhom  this  habit 
had  reached  such  a  degree  of  concentrated  virulence, 
that  they  rendered  their  immediate  neighbourhood 
intolerable ;  formed  puddles  of  tobacco-spittle  at 
their  feet,  in  the  parlour,  or  in  the  pew  in  church 
in  which  they  were  seated  ;  and  in  some  instances, 
even  compelled  persons  of  delicate  feelings,  especi- 
ally females,  to  leave  the  room,  or  the  pew,  and  re- 
tire in  haste,  to  avoid  sickness  of  stomach. 

To  say  that  this  filthiness  is  very  indecent,  is  to 
speak  but  half  its  condemnation.  It  is  unworthy  of 
a  gentleman  and  a  christian  :  and  he  who,  after  be- 
ing warned,  continues  to  indulge  it,  ought  to  be  ban- 
ished, without  scruple,  from  all  decent  society. 

If  it  be  asked,  how  those  who  spit  much  shall  man- 


LETTERS    ON    CLERICAL    MANNERS.  57 

age  ;  I  answer,  if  possible,  let  them  instantly  discon- 
tinue all  those  practices  which  lead  to  the  secretion 
of  an  excess  of  saliva.    This  is,  in  every  point  of  view, 
the  best  and  most  effectual  method  of  removing  all 
difficulty.     But  if  this  be  not  possible,  then  let  such 
persons,  when  they  go  into  company,  make  interest 
with  their  kind  entertainers  to  furnish  them  with 
spitting-boxes;    or  let  them  endeavour  to  sit  near  a 
window ;    or  let  them  rise  and  withdraw  from  the 
apartment  as  often  as  it  becomes  necessary  to  dis- 
charge the  contents  of  their  mouths;    or  let  them 
take   care   to   have  in   their    pockets   extra   hand- 
kerchiefs, which  may  be  employed  to  receive  the 
superfluous  saliva; — or,  if  none  of  these  safeguards, 
or  auxiliaries    can   be  had,  let   them   even — stay 
at   honie^    and    thus    be  sure   that    they  trespass 
on  no  premises  excepting  their  own.     Even  there, 
indeed,  they  will  annoy  and  disgust  all  who  visit 
them  :  but,  then,  this  will  be  a  penalty  incurred  vo- 
luntarily, and  endured  only  as  long  as  each  indivi- 
dual can  find  a  sufficient  inducement  to  sustain  it. 
For  I  have  certainly  known  at  least  one  tobacco- 
chewing  clergyman  of  whom  a  respectable  professor 
of  religion  declared,  "  that  he  would  most  cheerfully 
pay  his  board  for  a  week  or  more,  at  a  tavern,  or  at 
any  other  place,  rather  than  endure  his  company  at  a 
single  meal,  or  for  one  evening,  in  his  own  dwelling." 
How  melancholy,  that  a  minister  of  religion,  instead 
of  being  a  pattern  of  neatness  and  purity,  and  pos- 
sessing such  manners  as  to  render  his  company  at- 
tractive to  all  classes  of  people ;   should  allow  him.« 


58  LETTERS    ON    CLERICAL    MANNERS. 

self,  hy  his  personal  habits,  to  drive  all  cleanly  and 
delicate  persons  from  his  presence  ! 

Imagine  not,  however,  that  it  is  merely  against 
this  miserable  extreme  of  the  filthy  habit  in  question, 
that  I  protest.  It  is  against  everi/  degree  of  it  that 
I  would  warn  you.  Rather  than  oiice  allow  your- 
self, on  any  occasion,  to  spit  on  the  floor  in  compa- 
ny, you  ought  to  walk  a  hundred  yards,  or  more,  to 
find  a  door  or  window,  or  submit  to  almost  any  or- 
dinary inconvenience.  In  fact,  to  go  to  the  root  of 
the  evil,  the  habit  of  spitting  much  at  all,  is  a  bad 
habit;  and  anything  which  tends  to  the  creation, 
and  of  course,  to  the  necessity  of  discharging,  much 
saliva,  ought  to  be,  by  all  young  persons,  who  are 
forming  their  manners,  carefully  avoided.  And 
scarcely  any  thing,  let  me  add,  admits  of  being  placed, 
and  kept,  more  fully  under  the  influence  of  the  will, 
in  ordinary  circumstances,  than  this. 

2.  Another  offensive  habit,  closely  connected  with 
the  foregoing,  against  which  I  would  warn  you,  is  the 

EXCESSIVE  USE  OF  TOBACCO,  IN  ANY  FORM.   1  do 

not  deny  that  chewing,  smoking,  and  snvffing  to- 
bacco, within  certain  limits,  may  be  considered  as 
quite  consistent  with  the  habits  of  gentlemen ;  because 
many  gentlemen  practise  them  ;  and  some  who  prac- 
tise more  than  one,  or  all  of  them,  even  to  a  degree 
of  excess,  yet,  from  their  great  personal  neatness, 
and  constant  attention  to  appearances,  have  still 
avoided  becoming,  in  any  considerable  degree,  offen- 
sive to  those  around  them.  Such  instances,  however, 
are  rare.     At  any  rate,  nothing  is  more  common  than 


LETTERS    ON    CLERICAL    MANNERS.  59 

the  reverse  ;  and  the  cases  are  so  numerous  in  which 
the  consumers  of  this  hateful  weed  become  a  source 
of  inconvenience  to  all  with  whom  they  associate  ; 
that  even  the  ordinary  use  of  it  ought  to  he  regarded 
with  apprehension,  by  those  who  would  escape  the 
excess  to  which  others  have  become  victims. 

You  ought  to  be  aware,  my  young  friend,  that 
no  class  of  persons  are  more  apt  to  fall  into  excess 
in  tiie  use  of  tobacco,  in  every  way,  than  students  ; 
anl  no  class  of  students,  perhaps,  more  remarkably 
thai)  those  who  are  devoted  to  the  study  of  Theolo- 
gy. Whether  their  sedentar}^  habits,  and  especially 
their  habits  of  stated  composition,  form  the  peculiar 
temptation  by  which  so  many  of  them  are  imhapoi- 
ly  beguiled,  I  know  not:  but  it  has  fallen  to  my 
lot  to  know  a  very  large  number  of  ministers, 
young  and  old,  who,  by  excessive  smoking,  chewing, 
or  snuffing,  have  deranged  the  tone  of  their  sto- 
machs ;  have  undermined  their  health  ;  have  se- 
riously injured  their  voices;  have  had  the  fumes  of 
tobacco  so  thoroughly  inwrought  in  their  persons 
and  clothing,  that  it  became  impossible  for  many 
delicate  people  to  sit  near  them  with  impunity  ; 
and  have  laid  themselves,  after  a  while,  under  so 
absolute  a  necessity  of  smoking,  or  chewing,  inces- 
santly, that  they  have  been  obliged  to  withdraw* 
from  company,  or  from  the  most  urgent  business, 
and  even  to  break  off  in  the  midst  of  a  meal,  and 
retire  to  smoke,  or  else  run  the  risk  of  a  severe  af- 
fection of  the  stomach. 


60  LETTERS    ON    CLERICAL    MANNERS. 

In  vain  do  you  remind  such  people,  when  they 
are  young,  and  when  their  habits  are  forming,  that 
the  use  of  tobacco  is,  in  most  cases,  unhealthful,  and 
in  many,  extremely  so  ;  that  if  they  use  it  at  all, 
they  are  in  danger  of  being  betrayed  into  excess,  in 
spite  of  every  resolution  to  the  contrary. — In  vain 
do  you  remind  them  tnat  many  persons,  of  both 
sexes,  cannot  bear  either  the  smoke  or  the  perfume 
of  tobacco,  and,  of  course,  must  he  driven  from 
the  room,  if  not  from  the  house,  in  which  this  of- 
fensive practice  is  going  forward  ;  that,  like  fip- 
pling,  one  degree  of  excess  in  this  indulgence, 
leads  to  another,  until  a  sort  of  necessity  of  con- 
tinuing it  is  incurred;  that  habits  of  smoking 
and  chewing,  especially  the  former,  will  render 
them  intolerable  inmates  in  many  families;  and 
that  by  the  excessive  use  of  tobacco,  more  par  icu- 
larly  in  the  form  of  segars,  thousands  have  been  in- 
sensibly betrayed  into  habits  of  drinking,  and 
have  become  confirmed  sotSs  before  they  were  aware 
of  being  in  the  least  danger  : — I  say,  in  vain  do  you 
remind  many  young  men,  and  even  pious  young 
men,  who  are  commencing  such  habits,  of  these 
dangers.  In  vain  do  you  hold  up  to  their  view  par- 
ticular cases,  as  examples  of  all  that  you  say.  They 
will  not  believe  you.  They  are  in  no  danger. 
Others  may  have  insensibly  fdlen  into  excess,  and 
become  offensive ;  but  they  never  will.  Onward 
they  go,  with  inflexible  self-will,  ^*as  an  ox  goeth 
to  the  slaughter,"   resolving  to  following  appetite 


LETTERS    ON   CLERICAL    MANNERS.  61 

at  all  hazards,  until  some  of  them  become  them- 
selves fearful  examples  of  the  evils  against  v^hich 
they  were  warned  ! 

I  have  already  hinted  at  one  of  the  dangers  aris- 
ing from  the  exorbitant  use  of  tobacco,  which  very 
many,  even  after  being  put  on  their  guard,  cannot 
be  persuaded  to  appreciate.  I  mean  the  tendency 
of  the  segar  to  generate  a  fondness  for  intemperate 
drinking.  He  whose  mouth  and  fauces  are  fre- 
quently and  strongly  stiniulated  by  the  fumes  of 
tobacco,  is  apt  to  be  thirsty  ;  and  to  such  an  one, 
simple  water  is  insipid,  and  scarcely  tolerable. 
Something  stronger  is,  of  course,  sought  after.  And 
hence  it  so  often  happens,  that  habits  of  disgraceful, 
and  finally  of  ruinous  tippling,  grow  out  of  the 
excessive  use  of  the  segar. 

The  truth  is,  no  man,   especially  no  young  man, 

OUGHT  EVER  TO  USE  TOBACCO  IN  ANY   SHAPEj 

who  can  possibly  avoid  it ;  that  is,  who  does  not 
find  himself  reduced  to  the  same  necessity  of  taking 
it,  as  a  medicine,  that  he  is,  now  and  then,  of  taking 
Digitalis,  Opium,  or  Calomel ;  in  which  case,  in- 
stead of  allowing  himself  to  contract  a  fondness  for 
the  article,  and  living  upon  it  daily,  a  wise  man 
will  take  it,  as  he  wouW  the  most  nauseous  medi- 
cine, in  as  small  quantities,  and  as  seld'.>m,  as  possi- 
ble. I  beseech  you,, my  young  Friend,  not  to  dis- 
regard this  advice.  -Rely  on  it,  if  you  are  sj  hap- 
py a^  to  escape  the  thraldom  which  'he  odious  ve- 
getable in  question  h?s  imposed  upon  millions,  vou 
will_rejoicein  it  as  long  as  you  live.  But  you  probably 

F 


<32  LETTERS    ON    CLEKICAL    MANNERS, 

will  not  escape,  unless  you  renounce  the  use  of  the 
article  entirely.  If  the  most  servile  votary  of  the 
segar^  the  qi.id,  or  the  snuff  box,  could  take  evea 
a  cursory  glance  at  the  ruined  health  ;  the  trembling 
nerves;  the  impaired  mental  faculties  ;  the  misera- 
ble tippling  habits  ;  the  disgraceful  slavery  ;  and 
the  revolting  fume,  to  which  they  have  insensibly 
conducted  many  an  unsuspecting  Jevotee,  he  would 
fly  with  horror  before  even  the  po>sibIe  approaches 
of  the  danger. 

3.  Another  habit  which  every  friend  to  the  ho- 
nour of  religion,  and  to  human  happiness,  ought  to 
avoid  with  the  utmost  care,  is,  that  of  indulging  in 

the    HABITUAL    USE    OF    ARDkNT    SPIRITS. 

The  habit  of  which  1  now  speak  is  not  that  of 
intemperate  drinking.  This  is  a  sin  so  unques- 
tionable and  degrading,  so  destructive  of  health,  of 
reputation,  and  of  all  that  is  good,  that  no  argument 
can  be  necessary  to  convince  a  professing  christian, 
and  especially  a  candidate  for  the  holy  ministry, 
that  every  approach  to  it  ought  to  be  regarded  with 
abhorrence.  And  I  have  no  doubt  that  every  mani- 
fest d^n(\.  known  approach  to  it,  will  be  so  regarded 
by  every  conscientious  man.  But  there  are  ap- 
proaches to  this  sin  so  remote  and  insensible,  that 
thousands  are  drawn  into  them  without  the  smallest 
apprehension  of  danger  ;  and  it  is  not,  perhaps,  un- 
til it  is  too  late  to  apply  any  hulnan  remedy,  that 
their  fears  begin  to  be  excited.  Happy  is  he  who 
sees  the  evil  afar  oflf,  and  is  wise  enough  to  escape 
from  everv  measure  of  its  influence. 


LETTERS    ON    CLERICAL     MANNERS.  0^3 

Let  me  say,  then,  that  the  young  man  who  is  in 
the  habit  of  taking  any  portion  of  ardent  spi- 
rits, especially  before  breakfast  or  dinner,  even 
if  it  be  ever  so  small,  is  in  an  extremely  perilous 
habit,  from  which  there  is  a  high  degree  of  proba- 
bility that  he  will  not  escape  with  impunity.  Nay, 
one  of  the  most  enlightened  observers  our  country 
ever  produced,  the  venerable  President  Divight, 
has  said,  that  <'the  man  who  drinks  spirits  regular- 
ly, ought  to  consider  himself  as  having  already  en- 
tered the  path  which  leadsto  habitual  intemperance." 
Nothina;  is  more  insidious  than  the  love  of  this  stim- 
iilus  ;  nothing  more  apt  to  gain  on  the  appetite 
without  being  at  ail  suspected  by  him  who  is  most 
interested  in  the  fact ;  no  indulgence  more  frequent- 
ly found  to  increase  in  its  endless  cravings  with 
every  clay's  indulgence.  So  that  many  a  man  deem- 
ed perfectly  sober,  by  himself,  and  by  all  his  ac- 
quaintances; nay,  many  a  conscientious  man,  be- 
fore he  was  aware,  has  found  the  practice  of  daily 
taking  a  small  quantity  of  spirits,  gradually  extend- 
ing its  claims  and  its  power,  until  he  was  no  lon- 
ger able  to  resist,  and  became  the  slave  of  gross  in- 
temperance. 

My  (irm  persuasion  is,  that,  in  general,  no  one  who 
is  in  health,  and  who  is  under  forty  years  of  age, 
ought  ever,  as  a  system,  to  drink  any  thing  stronger 
than  water.  It  is  the  most  natural,  the  most  salubri- 
ous, and,  in  all  respects,  the  best  drink.  The  cases 
of  the  most  robust  and  ruddy  health  that  I  have  ever 
seen,  have  been  those  of  persons  who  drank  nothing 


64  LETTERS    ON    CLERICAL     iMAXXEKS. 

but  water.  Among  the  old  Romans,  in  the  purest 
and  simplest  periods  of  their  republick,  no  young  man 
was  allowed  to  drink  any  kind  of  strong  drink^  until 
he  had  attained  the  age  of  thirty  years.  And  if  I 
could  prevail  upon  every  young  man  to  act  rigidly 
upon  this  plan,  putting  every  thing  out  of  view  ex- 
cepting his  bodily  health,  and  his  interest  for  the  pre- 
sent life,  I  should  consider  myself  as  gaining  a  most 
desirable  object. 

He  who  drinks  nothing  but  water,  has  but  little 
temptation  to  drink  at  all  more  frequently  than  he 
ought.  Yet  it  is  very  possible  to  take  too  frequent- 
ly and  too  much,  even  of  this  simple  beverage*  I 
have  known  some  individuals,  chiefly  students^  who 
unhappily  contracted  the  habit  of  requiring  something 
to  moisten  their  hps  every  half  hour,  or  oftener;  and 
even  in  the  pulpit,  they  could  never  get  through  a 
discourse  of  ordinary  length, without  taking  repeated 
sips  of  water.  This  is  not  only  a  habit  troublesome 
to  others,  as  well  as  ourselves ;  but  it  is  multiplying 
our  wants ;  it  is  rendering  the  lips  and  fauces  more 
apt  to  become  parched,  on  the  slightest  use  of  them  ; 
thus  increasing  the  inconvenience  which  it  is  intend- 
ed to  remedy  ;  and  constantly  spreading  a  snare  be- 
fore the  individual,  to  crave  something  less  innocent 
when  water  of  a  good  quality  is  not  to  be  procured. 
I  would  say,  then,  to  every  one  who  is  forming  his 
habits  in  this  respect, — Let  your  plan  be  to  drink 
but  little  of  any  thing.  Even  the  excessive  drinking 
of  water  may  prove  injurious,  and  has  proved  so  to 
multitudes.     The  digestion  of  students  is  generally 


LETTERS    ON    CLERICAL    MANNERS.  66 

feeble  at  best ;  but  taking  much  liquid  of  any  kind 
into  the  stomach,  is  calculated  to  render  it  still  more 
feeble.  Drink,  therefore,  as  little  as  possible,  with- 
out being  incommoded  by  importunate  thirst.  Ha- 
bituate yourself  to  as  few  wants,  in  this  respect,  as 
possible.  Let  not  your  first  request,  when  you  call 
at  a  friend's  house,  be,  as  the  manner  of  some  ever  is, 
to  be  furnished  with  "  something  to  drink."  Such  a 
request  commonly  leads  to  the  offer  of  every  tempt- 
ing article  of  drink,  that  may  be  within  reach  of  your 
entertainer,  and  may  thus  cause  him  to  lay  in  your 
waya  most  serious,  audit  may  be  a  fatal  snare.  Of 
all  men  in  the  world,  clergymen,  who  are  very  often 
in  the  houses  of  their  friends  or  parishioners,  and 
who  are  constantly  in  the  way  of  receiving  kind  of- 
fers of  refreshment,  ought  t6  be  men  of  self-denial, 
especially  with  regard  to  all  stimulating  drinks. 
Without  a  large  measure  of  this  grace  in  habitual  ex- 
ercise, they  may  considered  as  constantly  standing  on 
the  brink  of  a  precipice. 

My  earnest  advice,  therefore,  is,  that,  for  the  dou- 
ble purpose  of  guarding  against  personal  temptation, 
and  of  setting  a  good  example  to  others,  you  decline 
the  use  of  ardent  spirits  altogether,  however  press^ 
ingly  they  maybe  urged  upon  you;  and  that  you 
make  as  Httle  use  of  any  kind  of  stimulating  drink  as 
possible.  Discountenance  the  use  of  such  drinks 
among  all  with  whom  you  associate.  Let  it  be  seen 
that  you  do  so  on  principle.  And  let  your  practice 
testify  that  you  believe  and  obey  your  own  doc- 
trine. 

V   9 


66  LETTERS    ON    CLERICAL    MANNERS. 

4.  Closely  connected  with  the  foregoing  particu- 
lar, is  another  habit,  against  which  a  minister  of  the 
Gospel  ought  to  be  especially  on  his  guard.  I  mean 
manifesting  or  cherishing  an  excessive  fondness 

FOR    LUXURIOUS  EATING. 

I  shall  probably  say  something  hereafter  on  the 
mischiefs  of  intemperate  eating,  in  reference  to  the 
bodily  health.  My  design,  at  present,  is  merely  to 
speak  of  those  improjjrieties  of  manner  which  are 
apt  to  grow  out  of  an  undue  estimate  of  this  indul- 
gence. 

When  worldly  men  show,  without  reserve,  that 
they  worship  their  palates  ;  when  in  publick  houses, 
and  in  private  families,  they  are  continually  manifest- 
ing their  epicurean  character;  when  they  are  dis- 
posed to  give  trouble  for  the  gratification  of  their 
appetite  wherever  they  may  be  ;  when  they  eagerly 
seize  upon  the  best  pieces  of  any  article  of  food  on 
the  table,  thereby  showing  that  they  prefer  the  indul- 
gence of  their  own  taste,  to  the  gratification  of  any 
one  else  ; — I  say,  when  worldly  men  allow  them- 
selves to  act  thus,  all  correct  judges  know  that 
they  violate  good  manners  ;  but  as  "  they  have  their 
portion  in  this  life,'"*  they  are  expected,  when  unre- 
strained, to  feel  and  act  with  this  supreme  regard  to 
appetite.  And,  even  with  respect  to  manners,  luxu- 
rious men,  in  concerns  of  this  nature,  often  have  in- 
fluence enough  to  make  a  sort  of  "  law  for  them- 
selves.'' 

But,  in  ministers  of  the  Gospel,  or  candidates  for 
the  ministry,  nothing  of  this  kind  ought  ever  to  be 


LETTERS    ON    CLERICAL    MANNERS.  67 

seen,  or  so  much  as  suspected  to  exist.  Habits  of 
the  most  marked  simplicity  and  moderation,  in  eat- 
ing, as  well  as  in  drinking,  ought  ever  to  character- 
ize them.  Let  none,  then,  ever  have  reason  to  ac- 
cuse you  of  being  particularly  fond  of  gratifying  your 
palate,  or  of  being  particularly  nice  in  what  is  re- 
quired for  that  purpose.  Eat  whatever  is  set  before 
you,  without  a  word  of  question  or  difficulty.  And 
while  many  eat  with  a  rapidity  or  a  greediness 
which  indicates  a  mind  inordinately  intent  on  the 
pleasure  of  eating ;  let  every  movement,  on  your 
part,  indicate  that  moderation  which  becomes  a  min- 
ister of  Christ.  At  a  luxurious  table  exercise  self- 
denial  with  peculiar  vigilance.  Let  it  be  seen  that 
you  have  no  alliance  with  the  character  of  a  gor- 
mand.  Eat  commonly  but  of  one  simple  dish.  Eat 
slowly  ;  gently  ;  without  that  smacking  of  the  lips, 
and  that  noisy  motion  of  the  mouth,  which  are  ex- 
pressive either  of  extreme  hunger,  or  vulgarity,  or 
both.  Eat  and  drink  guardedly^  too,  lest  some  ar- 
ticle passing  the  wrong  way,  should  embarrass  you 
before  company,  and  which  in  nine  cases  out  of  ten 
results  from  haste,  and  want  of  care.  And  finally, 
eat  without  talking  much  about  eating.  Nothing 
is  more  common  in  company,  than  to  hear  much  said 
respecting  the  pleasures  of  the  table ;  the  excel- 
lence of  particular  articles  of  food  ;  the  relish  of  cer- 
tain kinds  of  cookery,  &c.  Let  nothing  of  this  kind 
ever  engage  your  thoughts,  or  your  tongue.  Let  no- 
thing indicate  that  you  are  a  man  "given  to  appetite." 
Wherever  you  may  be,  or  whatever  may  be  the  sub- 


6o  LETTERS    ON    CLERICAL    MANNERS. 

Jects  of  conversation  with  others  ;  let  every  word  and 
look,  on  your  part,  evince  that  you  are  seeking  high- 
er and  better  objects  than  those  which  "minister  to 
the  flesh."  And,  although  it  may  seldom  be  proper 
or  seasonable  to  administer  a  direct  rebuke  to  those 
who  are  fond  of  such  topicks  of  conversation  ;  yet  it 
is  always  both  seasonable  and  proper,  by  abstaining 
from  any  participation  in  them,  to  administer  what 
may  sometimes  be  a  most  powerful  rebuke,  to  those 
around  you.  When  at  your  own  table,  or  the  tables 
of  others,  think  how  your  Master,  or  one  of  his  in^ 
spired  Apostles  would  act  and  converse,  in  similar 
circumstances,  and  endeavour  to  make  that  the  mo- 
del of  your  own  conduct. 

5.  Guard  against  loud  or  bolsterous  laugh- 
ter in  company.  It  is  a  mark  of  ill-breeding.  Some 
persons,  of  manners  otherwise  correct,  greatly  ofTend 
in  this  particular.  I  have  known  a  few  ministers,  of 
buoyant  animal  spirits,  who  were  in  the  habit  of 
laughing  with  as  much  unrestrained  coarseness  and 
noise  as  the  boatswain  of  a  man  of  war;  insomuch 
that  they  were  heard  over  a  whole  house,  and  even 
in  the  street.  I  need  not  add,  that,  until  their  worth 
became  know^n  by  an  intimate  acquaintance,  they  ex- 
cited surprise  and  disgust  in  all  who  approached  them. 
The  laughter  of  a  polished  man,  and  especially  of  a 
clergyman,  however  hearty,  ought  never  to  be  obstre- 
perous, and  seldom  audible. 

6.  It  is  the  habit  of  many,  almost  as  soon  as  they 
are  seated  in  company,  to  take  out  a  penknife,  and 
to  begin  to  pare  their  nails  ;    or,   if  they   have 


LETTERS    ON    CLERICAL    MANNERS.  6© 

been  sufliciently  pared  before,  to  scrape,  or  polish, 
or  clean  them.  This  is  an  indelicate  practice,  al- 
ways carrying  with  it  the  idea  of  the  want  of  clean- 
liness, and  no  less  of  a  want  of  respect  to  those  in 
whose  presence  we  are  seated.  It  is,  indeed,  impor- 
tant, if  we  would  appear  decent,  that  our  nails  be 
kept  properly  pared,  and  carefully  divested  of  the 
foul  matter  which  is  apt  to  accumulate  at  the  ends 
of  them.  But  let  these  operations  always  be  per- 
formed in  private.  Why  should  they  be  performed 
before  company  any  more  than  washing  our  hands 
and  face,  or  cleaning  our  teeth  ?  It  is  certain,  that 
to  some  they  are  peculiarly  offensive.  I  once  heard 
a  clergyman  of  great  eminence,  for  both  piety  and 
talents,  say,  that  he  -'would  be  nearly  as  willing  to 
see  a  person  pull  off  his  shoes  and  stockings,  and  fall 
to  cutting  his  toe  nails  in  company,  as  constantly 
trimming  and  cleaning  those  of  his  hands." 

7.  Many  persons  who  are  aware  of  the  improprie- 
ty of  cutting  or  cleaning  their  nails  before  company, 
are  apt,  when  sitting  in  the  presence  of  o;hers,  either 
from  embarrassment,  or  from  having  nothing  to  do, 

to  be  PICKING    AT    THE    SKIN    ON    THEIR  HANDS,  aS  if 

they  were  picking  off  scales,  or  were  incommoded 
by  some  cutaneous  disease.  This  has  an  ill  appear- 
ance. To  many  persons  it  is  extremely  revolting  ; 
and  nothing  is  more  natural  than  to  associate  with  it 
the  idea  of  something  uncleanly  or  unwholesome. 

8.  The  practice,  by  no  means  unfrequent,  of 
COMBING  THE  HAIR  in  Company,  is  quite  as  excep- 
tionable.   It  is  an  ofTence  against  delicacy  and  clean= 


70  LETTERS    ON    CLERICAL    MANNER*. 

liness,  and  ought  always  to  be  performed  in  private. 
Yet  I  have  known  many  candidates  for  the  ministry, 
and  even  ministers,  do  this  without  reserve;  and, 
v/hat  is  more,  wiping  oft^what  had  accumulated  on 
the  comb  in  the  course  of  the  operation,  and  scatter- 
ing it  at  their  feet. 

9.  The  practice  of  yaw^ning  in  company,  ought, 
as  far  as  possible,  to  be  avoided.  It  looks  as  if  we 
were  weary  of  our  companions.  And  although  it  is 
often  an  involuntary  act ;  yet  there  is  no  douot,  at 
the  same  time,  that  it  may  be  encouraged,  so  as  to 
occur  far  more  frequently  than  is  absolutely  neces- 
sary, and  even  established  as  a  habit.  Avoid  it  as 
much  as  possible  even  in  private  ;  for  if  you  desire 
to  form  good  habits  in  company,  you  must  endeavour 
first  to  establish  them  in  your  most  secret  retirement. 
And  when  it  does  involuntarily  occur  in  company, 
hide  it  as  much  as  you  can  by  the  delicate  use  of 
your  handkerchief. 

10.  The  act  of  coughixg  in  company  is  not  al- 
ways a  voluntary  act :  yet  nothing  is  more  certain 
than  that  it  may  be  restrained  and  mitigated  to  a 
great  degree.  Many  persons,  however,  make  no  at- 
tempt at  this  restraint.  They  cough  in  the  largest 
circles,  with  a  frequency,  a  loudness,  and  an  appa- 
rent straining  of  the  chest,  which  cannot  fail  to  give 
pain  to  all  who  witness  it.  Such  persons  ought,  if 
consistent  with  duty,  to  remain  at  home  ;  or  if  com- 
pelled to  go  into  company,  it  ought  to  be  their  con- 
stant aim  lo  restrain  their  cough.  By  this  means, 
while  they  avoid  giving  pain  to  others,  they  will  be 


L^ETTERS    ON    CLERICAL    MANNERS.  71 

benefited  themselves ;  for  nothing  is  more  certain 
than  that  the  irritation  of  continual  coughing  is  quite 
as  injurious  to  the  patient  himself,  as  it  is  annojino^ 
to  those  around  him.  It  will  readily  occur  to  every 
person  of  delicacy  that  peculiar  caution  in  this  re- 
spect ought  to  be  exercised,  while  seated  at  table. 
The  practice  in  which  many  vulgar  people  indulge, 
of  coughing,  yawning  and  sneezing  over  the  dishes 
placed  in  their  immediate  neighbourhood,  is  intoler- 
able, and  has  driven  many  a  delicate  individual  from 
the  table. 

11.  The  practice  of  picking  the  teeth,  while 
seated  at  table,  is  proscribed  by  all  correct  people. 
If  you  cannot  avoid  it  without  being  very  uncom- 
fortable, cover  your  mouth  with  your  handkerchief, 
and  let  the  operation  be  as  little  conspicuous  as  pos- 
sible. As  to  picking  your  teeth  with  i\\eJork  which 
you  employ  in  eating,  (which  I  have  sometimes  wit- 
nessed) I  presume  your  own  sense  of  propriety  will 
instinctively  revolt  from  it,  as  peculiarly  offensive. 

12.  When  sitting  at  table  in  company,guard  against 

LEANING  WITH  YOUR  ELBOWS  ON  THE  TABLE.     There 

is  a  slouching  and  disrespectful  familiarity  in  this 
practice,  which  ought  never  to  be  indulged  by  any 
one  who  wishes  to  be  considered  as  a  man  of  correct 
manners.  It  is  enough  for  incorrigible  loungers  to 
be  leaning  upon  every  thing  which  stands  within 
their  reach.  Guard  against  any  assimilation  to  their 
habits.  You  ought  to  be  very  much  at  home,  in- 
deed, where  any  thing  ef  this  kind  is  allowable.  But 


72  LETTERS    ON    CLERICAL    MANNERS. 

the  fact  is,  it  ought  not  to  be  allowed  even  at  your 
own  table,  when  strangers  are  present. 

13.  There  are  some  personal  habits  so  very  offen- 
sive, that  it  is  difficult  to  speak  of  them  without  ex- 
citing, in  many  delicate  minds,  a  state  of  feeling  al- 
most as  painful  as  that  which  would  be  produced  by 
witnessing  the  habits  themselves.  On  this  account^ 
I  cannot  dwell  upon  them  in  minute  detail :  and  yet 
to  pass  them  altogether  without  notice,  would  be  do- 
ing injustice  to  my  design.  I  shall,  therefore,  simply 
name,  in  a  cursory  manner,  a  few  of  those  which  1 
have  in  view,  and  trust  to  your  own  discernment  and 
good  sense  to  supply  the  rest  of  the  catalogue^  a?  well 
as  to  suggest  the  reasons  w^hy  they  are  prohibited  in 
all  polished  society. 

Among  the  habits  alluded  to,  are  those  of  audible 
and  uncovered  eructaiion  ; — picking  the  nose^  and 
the  ears,  not  in  a  guarded  and  delicate  manner,  with 
the  handkerchief,  but  with  the  finger,  and  with  full 
exposure  to  view ; — blowing  the  nose  in  a  loud  and 
disgusting  manner ; — looking  into  the  handker- 
chief, after  blowing  the  nose,  as  if  apprehensive  of 
finding  some  threatening  appearance  in  the  secretion 
inspected  ; — sneezing  frequently,  without  breaking 
either  the  force  or  the  noise  of  the  blast  by  the  ap- 
plication of  a  handkerchief;  holding  the  handker- 
chief at  a  distance  from  the  mouth,  and  spitting 
into  it,  instead  of  silently  and  covertly  wiping  the 
saliva  from  the  lips  ; — snnj/ing  ftp  the  nose  with  an 
offensive  frequency: — the  habit  of  hemming^  and 


LETTERS    ON    CLERICAL    MANNERS,  73 

clearing  the  throat  very  loudly  and  frequently,  and 
in  a  disgusting  manner,  as  if  labouring  under  some 
organick  obstruction  ; — these  and  a  number  of  other 
similar  habits,  ought  carefully  to  be  avoided  by  all 
who  wish  to  attain  decent  and  acceptable  manners. 
It  is  no  excuse  for  these  habits  to  say,  that  some  of  the 
things  alluded  to  are  involuntary  acts.  This  is,  no 
doubt,  true.  But  it  may,  nevertheless,  be  asserted, 
even  of  those  which  are  most  decisively  of  this  class, 
that,  by  a  little  delicate  attention,  they  may  be  very 
much  controlled  and  mitigated,  and  by  the  discreet 
use  of  the  handkerchief,  they  may  be  easily  deprived 
of  almost  every  thing  offensive  in  their  character. 

14.  The  mode  of  sitting  in  company,  is  a  point 
concerning  which  no  little  indecorum  is  often  in- 
dulged. The  offences  against  propriety  in  this  re- 
spect are  numerous.  Many,  when  seated,  even  in 
large  and  ceremonious  companies,  are  in  the  habit 
of  lifting  up  one  or  both  of  their  feet,  and  plac- 
ing them  on  a  neighbouring  chair.  Others,  if  they 
can  get  a  place  on  a  sofa  or  settee,  lay  their  bodies 
upon  it  at  full  length,  in  a  horizontal  posture  ;  and 
thus  either  exclude  all  others  from  sharin<^  in  the 
seat,  or  subject  them  to  the  danger  of  encountering 
their  soiled  shoes.  A  third  class,  the  moment  they 
fix  themselves  upon  any  kind  of  seat,  appear  to  be 
searching  for  something  to  lean  or  recline  upon  ; 
and  when  such  an  article  is  found,  are  incessantly 
hanging  and  lounging  upon  it.  While  a  fourth  class, 
though  they  have  only  a  single  chair  to  occupy, thrust 
out  their  feet  as  far  as  possible,  and  throw  their 


74  LETTERS    ON    CLERICAL    MANNERS. 

persons  as  near  to  the  horizontal  posture  as  they  can, 
as  if  the  object  were  to  cover  the  largest  practicable 
space  on  the  floor,  and  to  subject  those  who  have 
occasion  to  pass  before  them  to  the  risk,  ever}^  mo- 
ment, of  stumbling  over  their  feet.  I  have  often  won- 
dered that  persons  of  the  least  delicacy  or  reflection 
should  be  found  indulging  such  habits.  If  you  have 
any  disease  of  the  feet  or  legs,  which  requires  them 
to  be  placed  in  a  horizontal  posture,  mention  the 
circumstance  to  the  company,  and  obtain  permissioa 
to  use  the  needed  privilege,  and  all  will  be  well.  I 
have  only  to  mention,  under  this  head,  the  incivility 
of  setting  with  your  back  to  any  portion  of  the  com- 
pany with  which  you  may  be  seated.  This  is  never 
proper,  unless  an  apartment  is  so  crowded  that  avoid- 
ing it  is  manifestly  impossible. 

15.  The  habit  of  tilting  your  chair  back, 
while  you  are  sitting  upon  it,  so  as  to  rest  only  on 
its  two  hinder  feet,  is,  on  several  accounts,  improper. 
It  has  proved  the  fruitful  source  of  many  ludicrous, 
and  even  dangerous  falls  backward,  as  most  persons 
have  had  an  opportunity  of  observing.  And  it  al- 
most necessarily  leads  to  those  awkward,  constrain- 
ed, or  lounging  postures  of  the  body,  which  have 
been  already  mentioned  as  offences  against  that  re- 
spectfulness of  manner  which  every  gentleman  is 
bound  habitually  to  maintain.  This  practice  of  tilt- 
ing back  the  chair  in  company,  has  been  considered 
and  represented  in  Europe,  as  one  of  the  peculiari- 
ties of  American  ill-breeding. 

16.  The  fact  is,   we  owe  it  to  our  bodily  health. 


LETTERS  ON  CLERICAL  MANNERS.       75 

as  well  as  to  good  manners,  to  learn  the  art  of  ha- 
bitually SITTING  IV  AN  ERECT  POS  PURE.  FeW 
things  are  more  important  to  a  student.  If  he  al- 
low himself,  in  the  privacy  of  his  own  apartment, 
to  sit  in  a  leaning,  lounging,  half-bent  posture,  with 
his  elbows  on  his  knees,  or  with  his  feet  stuck  up 
on  a  chair,  or  against  the  side  of  the  fire  place, 
higher  than  his  liead,  or  on  a  level  with  it ;  he  will 
he  much  more  apt  to  contract  a  pain  in  his  breast, 
and  to  find  his  eye-sight  and  his  general  health  af- 
fected by  three  hours'  study,  in  such  a  posture,  than 
by  five  or  even  six  in  a  more  erect  one.  Let  your 
habitual  mode  of  silting,  even  in  your  study,  be 
perfectly  ei-ect,  with  the  breast  rather  protruded 
than  bent  in  ;  and,  in  short,  very  much  in  that  self- 
supported  and  firm  manner,  in  which  you  would 
wish  to  sit  in  the  most  ceremonious  company. 
This  may  seem,  at  first  view,  to  be  too  formal;  but 
it  will  become,  in  a  short  time,  what  it  is  the  object 
of  this  counsel  to  make  it,  the  most  natural  posture  ; 
and  will,  without  effort  on  your  part,  confer  all 
those  advantages  on  the  score  of  health  and  man- 
ners which  it  is  desirable  to  gain  from  it.  Besides  ; 
if  now,  in  your  youth,  you  are  constantly  seek- 
ing, as  many  appear  to  be,  something  to  recline 
upon;  if  you  cannot  sit  ten  minutes  without  throw- 
ing yourself  into  the  recumbent,  or  semi-recumbent 
postures,  to  which  we  see  the  young  and  healthy 
constantly  resorting ;  what  will  you  do  in  the 
feebleness  of  old  age  ?  If  you  cannot  sit  otherwise 
than  half-bent  at  twenty-five;  how  will  you  sit  at 


76  LETTERS    OX    CLERICAL     MANNERS. 

three  score  and  ten  ?  Let  the  sunken,  revolting 
figures  of  many  aged  persons  give  the  answer. 

1 7.  Many  persons,  the  moment  they  seat  them- 
selves in  company,  and  especially  when  they  be- 
conie  engaged  in  conversation,  if  there  be  a  screw, 
KNOB,  or  SMALL  FIXTURE  of  any  kind  within  their 
reach,  which  admits  of  being  turned  or  handled, 
are  incessantly  engaged  in  performing  this  opera- 
tion to  the  annoyance  of  the  owner  of  the  house, 
and  often  to  the  incurable  injury  of  the  article  thus 
roughly  treated.  Try  to  learn  the  art  of  sitting 
still,  while  you  are  conversing,  without  pulling  and 
tugging  at  the  furniture  around  you  ;  without  plaj^- 
ing  with  any  part  of  your  own  dress  or  person  ; 
without  incessantly  stretching  and  cracking  the 
joints  of  your  fingers  ;  without  pulling  out  your 
watch  every  half  minute,  and  twirling  the  chain  in 
every  direction,  &c.  The  truth  is,  that  kind  of 
nervoKS  y^estlessness  which  leads  to  things  of  this 
kind,  ought  ever  to  be  resisted.  He  who  must 
have  something  to  play  with  while  he  is  convers- 
ing, ought  to  consider  himself  as  called  upon  prompt- 
ly and  firmly  to  apply  a  remedy. 

18.  Finally  ;  let  me  enjoin  upon  you  to  avoid"all 

SLOVENLY    HABITS  OF    WHATSOEVER     KIND,    in    yOUr 

person,  in  the  implements  you  use,  and  in  the  apart- 
ments you  occupy.  The  offences  against  this  coun- 
sel are  so  numerous  and  diversified,  that  I  cannot 
pretend  to  specify  them.  Good  sense,  attentive 
observation,  and  general  habits  of  neatness,  w^ill,  I 
trust,  render  minute  details  unnecessarv. 


BETTERS    ON    CLERICAL    MANNERS.  77 

It  is  recorded  of  the  celebrated  Mr.  Whitefieldy 
that  he  he  was  characteristically  neat  in  his  person, 
and  with  respect  to  every  thing  about  him.  He 
was  accustomed  to  say,  that  ^'a  minister  ought  to 
be  without  spot."  He  would  not  allow  a  paper  to 
be  out  of  its  place,  or  to  be  put  up  irregularly. 
He  would  have  every  part  of  the  furniture  of  his 
room  in  its  appropriate  station  before  he  retired  to 
rest ;  and  remarked,  that  he  could  not  be  easy,  if 
he  thought  so  small  an  article  as  his  gloves  were 
out  of  the  proper  place.  Such  were  the  feeling?  of 
a  man  whose  evangelical  labours  were  abunr'ant  to 
a  degree  almost  v/ithout  parallel ;  and  whose  heart 
was  peculiarly  intent  on  the  great  duties  of  his  of- 
fice as  an  <'  ambassador  of  Christ.'' 

Let  every  apartment  which  you  occupy,  either 
permanently,  or  for  a  short  time,  bear  the  charac- 
ter of  neatness.  When  you  quit  your  bed  in  the 
morning,  lay  up  the  bed-clothes  decently,  so  that 
no  visitant  need  be  offended  by  the  appearance  of 
things.  When  you  ivash  yourself,  especially  in 
the  house  of  a  friend,  do  it  with  gentleness  and 
neatness,  without  wetting  the  carpet  or  floor,  with- 
out bespattering  the  wall  or  furniture  in  the  imme- 
diate vicinity  of  the  basin — that  you  may  as  much 
as  possible,  diminish  the  labour  of  servants.  A 
conscientious  man,  in  these  circumstances,  ought 
ever  to  act  on  the  principle  of  giving  as  little  trou- 
ble as  may  be  to  those  around  him  ;  and,  for  this 
purpose,  in  all  cases  whatsoever^  whether  at  home 
G    2 


i8  LETTERS    ON    CLERICAL    MAJJNERS. 

or  abroad,  to    leave  as   little   to  clean  after  him  as 
possible. 

On  the  subject  of  slovenly  habits,  and  several 
other  points  noticed  in  this  letter,  I  would  recom- 
mend to  your  perusal  the  Rev.  Dr.  Adani  Clark&'s 
"Letter  to  a  Methodist  Preacher.''  You  will  per- 
ceive that  the  learned  and  venerable  author,  though 
belonging  to  an  ecclesiastical  body,  rather  distin- 
guished for  the  simplicity  and  plainness  of  its  mem- 
bers, and  certainly  by  no  means  excessive  in  its  at- 
tention to  external  polish,  considers  a  negligence  of 
cleanliness  in  a  minister  of  the  gospel,  as  not  only 
disgusting,  but  as  very  closely  allied  to  moral  de- 
linquency. 


LXSTTER      XV. 


A   WORD  SPOKEA''  I.Y  DUE  SEASOJ^,  HOW  GOOD  IS  IT! 

Prov    IV    28. 


CONVERSATION. 


My  dear  young  Friend, 

Those  qualities  which  enable  any  man  to  appear 
well  in  conversation,  are  among  the  most  precious 
that  can  be  possessed.  To  evei^y  piiblick  man 
these  qualities  are  peculiarly  important.  But  to  a 
minister  of  the  gospel,  they  are  above  measure  va- 
luable. The  business  of  his  life  is  to  benefit  his 
fellow  men.  A  large  portion  of  his  time  must  be 
passed,  and  ought  to  be  passed,  in  society  ;  and  he 
who  is  best  qualified  to  make  all  his  social  inter- 
course at  once  pleasing  and  useful,  is,  of  course, 
best  qualified  to  promote  the  great  ends  for  which 
the  ministry  was  instituted. 

But  while  this  accomplishment  is  certainly  valua- 
ble beyond  all  price,  it  evidently  engages  much 
less  of  the  attention  of  candidates  for  the  holy  min- 
istry than  its  importance  demands.  Instead  of 
«*  coveting  earnestly  this  gift ;"  instead  of  studying 
daily  to  attain  it,  and  to  make  progress  in  it,  as  is 
done  with  regard  to  some  other  things  of  less  va- 


80  LETTERS    ON    CLERICAL    MANNERS. 

iue  ;  this  great  concern  is  left,  pretty  much,  to  take 
care  of  "itself,  or,  at  best,  to  depend  on  the  exigency 
of  the  moment,  both  for  exercise  and  improvement. 

Every  man,  indeed,  is  not  qualified  to  excel  m 
conversation  ;  but  every  man  may  be  inoffensive, 
if  not  agreeable :  and,  as  Dean  Swift  has  some- 
^vhere  remarked,  there  are  hundreds  of  men  who 
might  not  only  be  agreeable,  but  really  shine,  who, 
on  account  of  a  few  gross  faults^  which  they  might 
easily  correct  in  half  an  hour,  are,  at  present,  not 
even  tolerable.  They  pass  through  life  not  onJy 
without  usefulness,  but  are  considered  as  a  nuisance 
wherever  they  appear. 

As  I  propose  to  make  Religious  Conversation 
the  subject  of  a  separate  Letter,  I  shall  confine  my- 
self, at  present,  to  some  general  principles,  which, 
it  appears  to  me^  ought  to  regulate  all  our  social 
intercourse.  Most  of  these  principles,  indeed,  ap- 
ply equally  to  all  classes  of  persons.  Some  of 
them,  however,  are  more  especially  worthy  of  the 
attention  of  those  who  seek  or  sustain  the  sacred 
office. 

This  subject  is  recommended  to  our  attention,  not 
only  by  common  sense,  and  experience;  but  also 
by  the  Word  of  God.  Holy  t/o^  exclaimed — How 
forcible  are  right  words!  A  ivord  spoken  in  due 
season,  says  the  wise  man,  how  good  is  it  !  Prov. 
XV.  23.  And  again,  ^^  word  filly  spoken,  is  like 
apples  of  gold  in  jjicticres  of  silver.  Prov.  xxv. 
11.  Again,  the  inspired  Apostle  exhorts — Let  no 
corrupt    communication  2^''^oceed   out   of  your 


LETTEKS    ON     CLERICAL    MANNERS.  81 

mouthy  hut  that  which  is  good  to  the  use  of  edify- 
ing, that  it  may  minister*  grace  unto  the  hearers- 
Ephes.  iv.  v9.  And  again,  Let  your  speech  be  al- 
toays  with  grace  seasoned  ivith  salt,  that  ye  may 
know  how  to  answer  every  man.     Coloss.  iv.  6. 

Allow  me,  then,  lo  put  you  on  your  guard  against 
some  of  the  most  common  faults  in  conversation, 
and  to  recommend  some  of  those  excellencies, 
which  appear  to  me  particularly  worthy  of  your 
attention, 

1.  In  the  first  place,  be  upon  your  guard  against 
TALKING  TOO  MUCH  ih  companj.  He  who  is  very 
talkative  incurs  disadvantages  of  the  most  serious 
kind.  He  cheapens  himself ;  tires  his  hearers  ;  and, 
of  course,  renders  what  he  has  to  say,  however  rich 
it  may  be  in  wisdom,  much  less  likely  to  prove  either 
acceptable  or  useful,  than  if  he  talked  less.  Speak 
seasonably,  nay /re§'?^e?z^/y,  if  you  have  opportunity, 
but  never  long.  Contribute  your  equitable  share 
to  the  conversation  ;  but  do  not  allow  yourself  to 
go  be}ond  these  limits.  "  Pay  your  own  reckoning," 
as  one  has  expressed  it ;  "  but  do  not  undertake,  at 
your  own  expense,  to  treat  the  whole  company.  This 
being  one  of  the  ie\Y  cases  in  which  people  do  not 
wish  to  be  treated  ;  every  one  being  fuily  convinced 
that  he  has  wherewithal  to  pay  his  own  bill."  This 
fault  is  particularly  noticed  and  reproved  in  Scrip- 
ture. Ji  fooPs  voice,  says  the  wise  man,  is  known 
by  the  multitude  ofivords.  In  the  multitude  of 
words,  says  the  same  inspired  teacher,  there  want- 
cth  not  sin;    but  he  that  refraineth  his  lips  is 


82  LETTERS    ON    CLERICAL    MANNERS.. 

wise.  And  again,  He  that  hath  knowledge,  sjiar^ 
elh  his  words.^ 

{  have  never  known  a  great  talker,  however  en- 
lightened and  instructive,  who  did  not,  at  length,  be- 
come wearisome  to  his  company.  Nor  did  I  ever 
know  one  of  this  character,  who,  in  the  multitude  of 
the  remarks  and  opinions  which  he  threw  out,  did  not 
sometimes  utter  that  which  he  had  better  have  kept 
to  himself;  and  which,  in  some  instances,  became 
the  source  of  great  subsequent  trouble.  It  is  very  unr 
wise  in  a  man  Vvho  bears  such  a  relation  to  society  as 
a  clergyman  does ;  who  is  set  for  the  instruction  and 
guidance  of  the  people ;  who  comes  in  contact  with 
so  many  individuals  in  all  classes  of  society  ;  whose 
remarks  and  opinions  are  important,  and,  if  he  be 
at  all  respected,  likely  to  be  remembered  and  quo- 
ted ;  nay,  whose  judgment  on  the  current  topicks  of 
the  day  may  have  no  small  influence  on  the  minds 
of  some,  when  he  shall  have  passed  off  the  stage  of 
life  ; — surely  it  is  unwise  for  such  a  man  to  be  throw- 
ing out  his  opinions  on  all  subjects,  without  due  con- 
sideration. Surely  it  is  unwise  for  him  to  speak  has- 
tily and  rashly.  And  if  he  be  "  full  of  talk,"  he  will 
seldom  be,  for  an  hour  together,  wholly  irco.  from 
rash  and  indiscreet  speaking.  Let  every  man^  but 
especially  every  minister,  be  svnft  to  hear,  and 
slow  to  speak. 

2.  A  fault,  directly  the  reverse  of  that  which  was 
last  mentioned, is  the  extreme  of  silence  in  co3I' 

■^  Eccles.  iii.  3.     Prov.  x.  19.     Prov.  xvii.  27,. 


LETTERS    ON    CLERICAL    MANNERS.  83 

PANY*  I  have  known  some  from  physical  temperament; 
others  from  abstraction  and  absence  of  mind  ;  and  a 
third  class,  perhaps,  from  still  more  exceptionable 
causes,  wrapping  themselves  up  in  a  chilling  reserve  ; 
never  speaking  but  when  addressed  ^  and  then  an- 
swering as  briefly  as  possible,  and  relapsing  into  si- 
lence again.  This  is  certainly  unhappy  for  one  who 
ought  to  be,  wherever  he  is,  an  instructer  and  bene- 
factor. While  you  avoid  garruhty,  then,  sink  not 
down  into  silence.  While  you  guard  against  mono- 
polizing the  conversation,  by  no  means  give  it  up  al- 
together. And  if  you  find  yourself  frequently  at  a  loss 
fortopicks  of  conversation,  take  pains  to  have  some- 
thing ready  for  the  discharge  of  this,  as  well  as  every 
other  duty,  by  previously  meditating  on  what  may  be 
ada])ted  to  utility  in  the  particular  company  to  which 
you  may  be  introduced. 

3.  Another  practical  maxim,  of  great  importance 
in  conversation,  is,  that  you  avoid  a  tale-bearing, 
TATTLING  spiT^iT,  I  havc  kuowu  somc  clergymen, 
who  were  the  greatest  newsmongers  in  their  neigh- 
bourhoods. They  were  among  the  first  to  circulate 
idle  stories  ;  to  give  currency  to  unconfirmed  state- 
ments ;  to  trumpet  abroad  charges  of  the  most  seri- 
ous kind,  without  adequate  evidence,  and  were  of- 
ten, very  often,  afterwards  obliged  to  explain,  apo- 
logize, and  even  retract.  This  is  a  shameful  spirit 
for  any  professing  christian  to  indulge  ;  but  is  pecu- 
liarly shameful  for  an  ambassador  of  Christ,  whose 
course  ought  ever  to  be  marked  by  caution,  dignity, 


LETTERS    ON    CLERICAL    MANNERS. 

tenderness  for  the  reputation  of  others,  and  uaiver- 
sal  benevolence. 

Be  not  ready  to  credit,  and  in  your  social  hours 
to  recognise  as  true,  every  ill  report  that  malig- 
nity or  folly  may  put  in  circulation.  If  you  have 
heard  of  any  faux  pas  in  the  neighbourhood,  or 
even  if  you  know  it  to  be  true,  be  among  the  last  to 
speak  of  it,  unless  plainly  called  in  duty  to  do  so. 
Let  others  lend  themselves  to  the  ignoble  work  of 
tale-bearing,  or  be  willing  to  connect  their  names 
with  the  repetition  of  ill-natured  reports  ;  but  let  not 
your  name  be  ever  mentioned  in  such  unworthy  as- 
sociations. If  authority  for  slander,  or  for  contemp- 
tible gossipping  stories  is  to  be  demanded,  let  it  not 
be  traced  to  a  minister  of  Christ,  who  ought  to  have 
something  to  do  infinitely  more  worthy  of  his  calling. 
I  have  known  ministers  who  were  rash,  credulous, 
and  withal  a  little  fond  of  news,  taking  for  granted 
that  what  were  communicated  to  them  as  facts  were 
really  so  ;  freely  speaking  of  them  as  facts  ;  and,  not 
only  so,  but  proceeding  to  act  on  the  strength  of 
them  ;  to  administer  severe  reproofs  to  the  individu- 
als supposed  to  be  guilty  ;  and  even  carry  the  subject 
into  the  pulpit ;  when  the  whole  stories  which  they 
believed,  caught  up,  repeated,  and  acted  upon,  were 
entirely  without  foundation.  It  is  almost  incredible 
how  little  reliance  can  be  placed  on  reports,  circu- 
lated even  by  good  people,  and  accompanied  with 
all  the  minute  circumstances  of  time  and  place  ;  and 
how  utterly  unsafe  it  is,  in  many  cases,  even  to  in- 


LETTERS    ON    CLERICAL    MANNER)?.  hh 

vesligate  the  truth  of  them :  because,  frequently^ 
even  an  investigation  cannot  be  conducted,  without 
repeating  the  story,  and  thus  giving  it  additional  cur- 
rency. There  are  busy  and  wicked  tongues  enough 
for  this  w^ork.  The  general  rule  for  a  minister  of 
the  gospel  is,  to  take  no  share  in  any  such  conversa- 
tion^, unless  it  be,  as  far  as  he  can,  with  a  good  con- 
science, to  mollify  and  repress  :  and  then  only  to  al- 
low himself  to  take  it  up,  when  it  is  no  longer  possi- 
ble, consistently  with  duty,  to  maintain  silence. 

When  others  speak  to  you  of  the  misconduct  of  ab- 
sent persons,  as  far  as  possible,  in  most  cases,  dis- 
courage such  communications ;  and  when  severe 
censures  are  pronounced,  manifest  a  readiness,  as 
far  as  you  Conscientiously  can,  to  suggest  pallia- 
tives, and  modes  of  viewing  the  subject  which  may 
be  consistent  with  the  innocence  of  the  party,  or  at 
least  less^en  his  criminality  ;  remembering  that  "  cha- 
rity hopeth  all  things." 

4.  Closely  connected  with  the  7iewsy,  tattling 
spirit  against  which  1  have  w  arned  you,  is  that  which 

loves  to  PRY  INTO  THE  PRIVATE  CIRCUMSTANCES,  and 

even  the  secrets  of  families,  and  to  make  them 
the  subject  of  conversation.  There  is  a  littleness, 
and  even  meanness  in  this,  which  all  people  of  ele- 
vated minds  despise ;  and  which,  I  hope  you  will 
sacredly  avoid.  You  will  have  quite  business  enough 
of  your  own,  without  meddling  with  the  private  af- 
fairs of  other  people.  In  truth,  no  wise  man  will 
ever  desire  to  become  possessed  of  the  secrets  of  his 
lieighbour.     They  will  always  be  found  a  trouble- 

H 


36  LETTERS    ON    CLERICAL    MANNERS. 

^ome  commodity  to  have  in  keeping  ;  and  even  afte? 
they  have  been  imparted  to  him,  he  will  much  more 
frequently  regret  than  rejoice  that  they  ever  came 
to  his  knowledge.  There  are  many  things  of  which 
it  is  much  more  of  a  privilege  than  a  misfortune  to 
be  entirely  ignorant. 

5.  In  conformity  with  the  foregoing  remarks,  let 
me  recommend,  that,  in  company,  even  with  your 
most  intimate  friends,  you  avoid  the  discussion  of 

PERSONAL     CHARACTER     AND    CONDUCT    aS    mUCh     aS 

possible  :  and  that  you  prefer  dwelling  on  those 
principles,  doctrines,  and y«c/5,  which  are  always 
and  to  all  classes  in  society,  interesting  and  instruc- 
tive, and  the  discussion  of  which,  moreover,  is  al- 
ways safe,  li  was  a  (juestion  often  repeated  by  a 
late  distinguished  Physician  and  Philanthropist  of 
Philadelphia,  a  man  as  remarkable  for  the  sound- 
ness of  his  mind,  and  the  extent  of  his  learning,  as 
for  the  benignity  of  his  disposition  : — "  Why  are  you 
so  constantly  talking  about  persons?  Why  not 
rather  talk  about  things .?"  The  lesson  conveyed  by 
this  question  is  replete  with  practical  wisdom.  K 
conversation  were  generally  modelled  upon  it,  the 
consequences  would  be  happy  indeed. 

6.  Study  the  happy  art  of  making  all  your  conver- 
sation USEFUL.  Conversation  which  is  not  religious, 
may  still  be  highly  useful.  It  may  inculcate  excel- 
lent sentiments  concerning  life,  manners,  education, 
&c.  ;  or  it  may  convey  instruction,  as  to  facts,  of 
great  value.  Where  you  have  an  opportunity  of 
selecting  topicks  of  conversation  yourself,  make  a 


LETTERS    ON    CLERICAL    MANNEliS.  87 

jjoint  of  introducing  such  as  shall  be  adapted  to  bene- 
tit  as  well  as  gratify,  those  whom  you  address.  And 
even  where  you  are  compelled  or  induced  to  accept 
of  those  which  have  been  introduced  by  others,  trv 
to  give  them  an  instructive  turn.  Especially  study 
the  happy  art  of  making  your  conversation  useful 
to  YOUNG  PEOPLE  as  oftcu  as  you  are  thrown  into 
their  company.  A  clergyman,  or  a  candidate  for  the 
ministry,  who  has  an  enlarged  mind,  and  a  good 
gtock  of  information,  need  not,  and  ought  not,  to 
converse  five  minutes  in  any  company  without 
throwing  out  something  calculated  to  be  thought  of 
afterwards  with  profit.  Nay,  if  we  had  the  spirit  of 
our  Master,  we  should  endeavour  to  make  every 
word  we  utter  useful 

7.  Do  not  disdain  to  prepare  yourself  to  con- 
verse in  an  intelligent  and  profitable  manner  on 
whatever  may  be  the  popular  topicks  of  the  day.  When- 
eveKany  interesting  occurrence  renders  a  particular 
place,  or  a  particular  event  in  history,  an  object  of 
general  attention,  if  you  are  not  already  accurately 
informed  concernir.g  the  place  or  event  in  question, 
make  a  point  of  obtaining  correct  information  as 
speedily  as  you  can.  You  may  be  publickly  appeal- 
ed to  for  information  in  the  presence  of  those  to 
whom  you  would  be  unwilling  to  appear  ignorant. 
And  even  if  this  should  not  be  the  case,  you  may 
lose  many  an  opportunity  of  instructing  and  gratify- 
ing those  with  whom  you  converse.  There  is  some 
danger,  indeed,  that  he  who  has  thus  taken  pains  to 
inform  himself  in  relation  to  popular  topicks,  may 


SB  LETTERS    ON    CLERICAL    MANNERS. 

be  tempted  by  vanity  to  make  a  display  of  his 
knowledge ;  but  this  is  no  nfiore  an  argument  against 
his  gaining  the  knowledge,  and  being  ready  to  impart 
it  in  a  proper  manner,  and  on  proper  occasions, 
than  the  proneness  of  many  to  pedantry,  is  an  argu- 
ment agatnst  all  endeavours  to  cultivate  and  store 
the  mind. 

8.  One  of  the  most  important  habits  to  be  acquir- 
ed in  conversation  is  that  of  paying  close  atten- 
tion to  the  individual  with  whom  you  are  convers- 
ing. Nothing  is  more  common  than  the  violation  of 
this  plain  dictate  of  propriety.  Many  are  in  the 
constant  habit  of  either  entirely  withdrawing  their 
attention,  or,  at  least,  bestowing  a  very  small  share 
of  it,  on  the  person  who  is  speaking  to  them.  In 
the  midst  of  the  most  important  remarks,  which  they 
are  expected  to  understand  and  to  answer,  they 
plainly  manifest,  by  the  vacant  countenance,  by  the 
averted  eye,  and,  sometimes,  even  by  the  indecency 
of  humming  a  tune,  in  a  half-smothered  manner,  that 
they  are  thinking  of  nothing  less  than  the  speaker  or 
ills  discourse.  Thi^  is  a  grpaf  breach  of  decorum  ; 
and  as  unwise  as  it  is  ill-bred.  It  is  impossible  to 
understand  or  answer  that  which  we  do  not  hear ; 
and  y^x^  often,  by  allowing  ourselves  to  indulge  this 
absence  of  mind,  we  lose  many  a  wise  and  weighty 
observation  ;  we  suffer  many  an  important  link  in  a 
chain  of  argument  to  escape  us,  by  which  we  might, 
had  we  secured  it,  been  largely  profited ;  and  even 
if  what  is  said  to  us  be  altogether  erroneous,  we  can 
ijevec  refute,  or  dispose  of  it  in  any  way,  as  we  ought* 


LETTERS    ON    CLERICAL    MANNERS.  85) 

if  we  do  not  attentively  listen  to  it.  If  you  think 
proper  to  take  the  time  to  sit  down  by  a  person,  and 
to  pretend  to  listen  to  him,  make  a  point  of  listen- 
ing to  him  really.  When  you  think  that  the  conver- 
sation ought  to  be  broken  off,  break  it  off;  but,  while 
it  continues,  attend  to  what  is  said.  Unless  you  do 
this,  it  is  impossible  to  estimate  its  value,  or  to  frame 
a  proper  reply,  or  to  adopt  the  most  wise  and  deli- 
cate method  of  bringing  it  to  a  close.  Many  a  con- 
versation has  been  prolonged  to  an  hour,  and,  after 
all,  has  proved  desultory  and  useless,  when  it  might 
have  terminated  in  ten  minutes,  and  been  mutually 
beneficial,  had  the  parties  only  given  to  each  other, 
for  that  short  space  of  time,  their  undivided  atten- 
tion. 1  repeat  it,  then — if  you  would  treat  your 
friends  with  good  manners  ;  if  you  would  profit  by 
what  they  say  ;  if  you  would  gain  the  highest  possi- 
ble advantage  from  every  conversation  ;  if  you  would 
save  time  ;  if  you  would  benevolently  impart  plea- 
sure as  well  as  receive  it ;  if  you  would  reply  to  what 
is  said  to  you,  in  the  wisest  and  most  instructive  man- 
ner; then  pay  strict  and  undivided  attention  to  ^ve- 
ry word  that  is  uttered,  as  long  as  you  think  proper 
to  continue  any  conversation. 

9.  The  foregoing  remarks  are  intended  to  apply 
where  another  person  is  addressing  yourself  indivi- 
dually. The  same  general  principle  applies  where 
an  individual  is  addressing  a  company  of  which  you 
form  a  part.  In  such  case,  as  long  as  you  continue 
to  occupy  your  seat,  attend  to  what  is  saying. 
I  have  known  many  persons  who,  in  such  circum 


90  LETTERS    ON    CLERICAL    MANNERS. 

stances — in  the  midst  of  an  interesting  series  of  re- 
marks addressed  to  them  equally  with  the  rest  of  the 
company,  turned  aside  their  heads  ;  began  to  whisper 
to  the  person  who  sat  next  to  them,  on  an  entirely  new 
subject ;  and  thus  diverted  hh  attention  as  well  as 
their  own  from  the  speaker.  This  is,  undoubtedly, 
a  gross  offence  against  good  manners^  It  is  practi- 
cally telling  the  speaker  that  you  do  not  think  hira 
worth  listening  to,  and  is  certainly  calculated  to  em.» 
barrass,  and  even  to  interrupt  him  in  his  remarks. 
Surely  those  who  are  desirous  of  doing  to  others,  as 
they  would  that  others,  in  like  circumstances,  should 
do  to  them,  will  endeavour  to  avoid  such  a  palpable 
indecorum. 

10.  Another  radical  maxim  of  good  manners,  in 
conversation,  is  to  treat  what  is  said  by  others 
RESPECTFULLY.  This  max.im,.as  well  as  the  last,- is 
perpetually  disregarded.  To  say  nothing  of  the 
practice  indulged  by  many,  of  habitually  withdraw^ 
ing  their  attention  from  those  with  whom  they  are 
conversing  ;  there  are  others,  who  testify  their  want 
of  respect  for  what  is  said  to  them,  in  conversation, 
in  a  great  variety  of  ways  :  by  a  smile  of  contempt ; 
by  a  half-concealed  sneer  ;  by  a  manifest  unwilling- 
ness to  hear  the  speaker  to  the  end  ;  by  interrupting 
him ;  by  hints  that  his  opinions  are  frivolous  ;  in  a 
word,  by  some  look,  tone,  or  gesture,  not  easily  spe- 
citied,  or  clothed  in  language,  by  which  we  may  in- 
timate to  another  that  we  regard  what  he  is  saying 
as  unworthy  of  being  seriously  considered.  In  all 
these  ways,  do  proud  men,  impatient  men,  obstinate, 


LETTERS    ON    CLERICAL     MANNERS.  91 

opinionated,  vulgar  nfien,  treat  with  disrespect  many- 
remarks  which  are  worthy  of  their  notice,  and  wound 
the  feehngs  of  many  a  modest,^  timid  speaker. 

If  you  so  far  put  yourself  on  a  level  with  any  one, 
as  to  converse  with  him  at  all,  listen  respectfully  to 
what  he  has  to  say.  It  is  very  possible  that  when 
he  has  finished,  and  before  he  has  finished,  you  may 
be  constrained  to  think  very  little  of  his  remarks. 
Butdanot  wound  his  feelings,  by  giving  him  to  un- 
derstand, beforehand,  that  you  expect  very  little 
from  him  to  the  purpose  ;  or  by  any  thing  that  shall 
indicate  sneer  or  contempt.  Da  not  practically  tell 
him,  that  you  have  no  respect  for  what  he  is  saying. 
Not  only  listen  to  him,  but  give  every  thought  and 
word  which  he  may  utter,  its  due  weight.  Treat 
him,  in  short,  as  you  would  wish  and  expect,  in  like 
circumstances,  to  be  treated  by  him.  In  no  other 
way  will  you  be  able,  when  he  has  done,  to  answer 
his  remarks,  in  such  a  manner  as  will  be  likely  to 
be  useful  to  him  as  well  as  worthy  of  yourself. 

11.  In  conversation  with  an  individual^  look  him 
IX  THE  FACE,  and  keep  your  eye  generally  fixed  on 
his,  as  far  as  you  can  without  staring,  and  looking 
him  out  of  countenance.  The  power  of  the  eye, 
m  seconding  and  enforcing  what  is  said,  is  incalcula- 
ble. Besides,  by  talking  to  an  acquaintance  without 
looking  him  in  the  foce,  you  forego  a  great  advan- 
tage. You  lose  the  opportunity  of  perceiving  what 
impression  your  remarks  make  upon  him  ;  and  of  de- 
ciding by  his  composure,  or  his  sudden  change  of 
countenance,  whether  you  are  giving  him  pleasure 


9^  BETTERS    ON    CLERICAL    MANNERS,' 

or  pain  by  your  communication.  Many  a  discern- 
ing speaker,  by  watching  the  countenance  of  him 
whom  he  addressed,  has  been  warned  by  its  indica- 
tions of  the  delicate  ground  on  which  he  w^as  tread- 
ing, and  prevented  from  making  further  and  perhaps 
very  mischievous  disclosures. 

12.   It  is  of  great  importance  to  a  publick  charac- 
ter, and  especially  to  a  clergyman,   to  learn  the  art 

of  OPPOSING    ERRONEOUS    SEXTIMEXTS    CXprCSScd    in 

the  course  of  conversation,  with  firmness,  and  at  the 
same  time,  without  offence.  No  discerning  indivi- 
dual can  converse  many  minutes  together,  with  al- 
most any  one,  without  hearing  something  said,  with 
which  he  cannot  entirely  agree.  Now,  to  oppose 
such  erroneous  opinions  is,  in  most  cases,  a  duty; 
and  yet  to  perform  this  duty  seasonably,  delicately, 
and  with  a  proper  reference  to  time,  place,  and 
company,  is  one  of  those  things  which,  more  than 
most  others,  put  in  requisition  our  judgment,  taste, 
good  temper,  and  good  breeding.  Sometimes 
the  best  expression  of  your  disapprobation  will  be 
by  perfect  silence.  In  other  cases,  this  would  be 
w^ant  of  fidelity.  When  you  find  yourself  constrain- 
ed, however,  to  give  utterance  to  your  dissent,  let  it 
be  done  mildly,  respectfully,  and  in  a  manner  fitted 
to  win,  rather  than  to  revolt,  the  errorist.  For  ex- 
ample; instead  of  saying,  to  one  who  has  been  de- 
livering sentiments  in  which  you  cannot  concur — 
^'  You  seem  to  me  to  talk  absurdly  ;*" — or,  "  Such 
opinions  are  grossly  erroneous  and  mischievous ;" — 
or, "  A  person  who  can  speak  thus,  must  have  either 


LETTERS    ON    CLEEICAL     MANNERS.  93 

a  weak  head,  or  a  bad  heart." — Rather  say — "  I  can- 
not concur  in  that  opinion,  for  the  following  reasons, 
&;c. ;  or,  "  You  must  pardon  me  for  dissenting  from 
that  doctrine  f' — or,  "  Perhaps  you  have  not  advert- 
ed to  some  of  the  consequences  of  the  opinion 
which  you  have  just  expressed;"  and  so  in  other 
cases.  We  are  never  so  likely  to  benefit  those  who 
broach  erroneous  opinions  in  our  presence,  as  when 
we  oppose  them,  without  acrimony;  with  a  mild  be- 
nevolence of  manner ;  and  with  such  an  exhibition 
of  our  reasons,  as  is  adapted  to  convince  their  judg- 
ment, without  wounding  their  pride. 

13.  Avoid  a  haughty  and  authoritative  man- 
ner in  conversation.  There  are,  undoubtedly,  many 
clergymen  who  allow  themselves  to  feel  in  the  par- 
lour, very  much  as  they  do  in  the  pulpit ;  as  if  it 
were  theirprerogative  to  dictate  their  sentiments  ex 
cathedra  ;  and  as  if  they  expected  to  be  heard,  not 
as  friends,  but  as  superiors,  and  authorized  instruc- 
tors. Hence  they  have,  habitually,  something  in 
their  manner  in  company,  which  banishes  ease, 
whlrn  ohills  confidence,  which  represses  free  ih'. 
quiry,  and  which  causes  them  to  be  listened  to  ra- 
ther withconstraintandtimidity,  than  with  atfection. 
Carefully  shun  every  thing  of  this  kind.  When  you 
fire  conversing  with  friends  in  a  parlour,  you  meet 
them  on  terms  of  equality.  You  are  to  address 
them,  not  as  a  lordly  dictator,  but  as  a  respectful 
friend :  not  as  having  authority  over  their  consciences, 
but  as  a  helper  of  their  instruction  and  their  inno- 
cent pleasure.     Avoidj  therefore,   in  such  circuni- 


94  LETTERS    ON    CLERICAL    AIANIS-ERS. 

stances,  all  harsh,  dogmatical  expressions  and  tonet 
Do  not  think  to  convince  by  your  ipse  dixit ^  or  to 
put  down  an  opponent  by  your  sovereign  authority. 
This  would  be  proud  dictation^  rather  than  convers- 
ing ;  and  ought  to  be  carefully  avoided  by  one  who 
wishes  to  succeed,  by  addressing  and  treating  men 
as  rational  beings  ;  by  respecting  the  rights  of  con- 
iacience,  and  by  convincing  the  understandings  of 
those  whom  he  desires  to  gain. 

14.  As  far  as  you  can,  avoid  controversy  in 
^conversation,  especially  in  mixed  companies.  I  say, 
as  far  as  you  can.  It  is  not  always  possible  to  avoid 
it.  An  impudent,  rough,  or  vulgar  attack,  may 
compel  you  to  take  the  stand  and  tone  of  a  polemick.. 
when  you  least  of  all  desire  it.  When  such  a  case 
occurs,  it  ought  to  be  studiously  met  without  heat 
or  passion,  and  brought  to  a  close  as  speedily  as  pos- 
sible. But  many  good  men  love  controversy  ;  or,  at 
any  rate,  are  easily  betrayed  into  it.  They  have  so 
little  knowledge  of  the  world,  and  so  little  discretion, 
that  they  are  always  ready  to  give  battle,  Avhenever 
they  see  the  banner  of  a  party  raised.  And  oven  if 
they  be  seated  in  large,  mixed  companies,  and  be 
in  danger  of  having  all  eyes  and  ears  turned  to 
them;  still  they  imagine  that  no  disputable  senti- 
ment must  be  allowed  to  pass.  This  is  a  real 
infirmity.  Watch  and  pray  against  it  without  ceas- 
ing. Never  suffer  the  truth,  if  you  can  help  it,  to 
be  trampled  under  feet  in  your  presence.  But  there 
are  many  ways  of  interposing  a  mild,  conciliatory 
word  in  its  behalf,  and  doing  it  firmly,  without  al* 


XETTERS    ON   CLEBICAL   MANNERS.  95 

lowing  yourself  to  be  drawn  into  a  dispute.  And  in 
this  case,  the  old  medical  maxim,  ohsta  principiis^^ 
is  of  great  value.  Be  on  the  watch  to  avoid  contro- 
versy, from  the  first  moment  you  perceive  a  discre- 
pance of  opinion.  A  slight  effort  may  be  sufficient, 
in  the  beginning,  to  avert  the  evil,  which,  after 
going  a  ^^w  steps  forward,  wiJl  be  utterly  unavailing. 
Before  I  take  leave  of  this  item,  allow  me,  with 
especial  earnestness,  to  put  you  on  your  guard 
against  being  drawn  into  controversy,  in  company, 
\y\ih.  aged  men  and  vj'iih  females.  Never  dream 
that  you  will  be  able  to  convince,  or  by  any  means 
to  affect  an  alteration  in  the  opinions  of  a  man  who 
has  passed  the  age  of  three  score,  or  three  score  and 
ten.  You  do  not  dispute  with  such  an  one  on  equal 
terms.  If  his  opinions  be  ever  so  erroneous,  he  is 
probably  wedded  to  them  by  long  habit,  as  well  as 
by  strong  prejudice.  He  will  naturally  consider 
himself  as  your  superior,  and  take  for  granted  that 
you  cannot  instruct  him.  Of  course,  you  will  find 
it  difficult  to  use  the  same  freedom  and  scope  of  ar- 
gument with  him,  that  you  would  with  one  nearer 
to  an  equality  with  yourself  in  age.  Many  of  the 
same  considerations  apply  io  females.  In  acuteness, 
wit,  sprightliness,  and  delicate  raillery,  they  often 
prove  very  powerful  opponents  ;  while  the  hands 
of  a  male  adversary  are,  in  a  great  measure,  tied, 
so  that  he  cannot  wield  with  unrestrained  freedom 
many  of  those  weapons  which  he  might  properly, 
and  with  great  effect,  employ  against  an  adversary 
of  his  own  sex. 


W  LETTERS    ON    C;LEfiICAL   MANNERS. 

15.  Closely  connected  with  this  caution  against 
sliding  into  unseasonable  controversy  in  company, 
is  another  against  losing  ycvr  tempi:r  in  contro- 
versy, when  you  happen  to  be  either  unavoidably 
dragged,  or  inadvertently  betrayed,  into  it.  Per- 
haps clergymen  may  be  said  to  be  peculiarly  expos- 
ed to  this  temptation.  For,  besides  the  various 
other  infirmities,  which  they  share  in  common  with 
all  good  men,  they  are,  perhaps,  peculiarly  liable 
to  feel  deeply,  when  their  profession  or  their  opi- 
nions are  attacked.  Always  set  a  double  guard, 
therefore,  at  this  point.  Recollect  not  only  the  sin 
of  all  rash  and  unseasonable  anger  ;  but  how  much 
the  exhibition  of  it  lowers  the  dignity  of  a  grave, 
oflicial  man  ;  and  also  that,  in  controversy,  accord- 
ing to  an  old  maxim,  he  who  first  gels  angry  will  ge- 
nerally be  considered  as  having  the  weaker  side  of 
the  argument. 

16.  Endeavour  to  cultivate  an  easy,  attractive 
MANNER  in  conversation.  Not  that  I  would  have 
you  put  on  the  smiling,  simpering  countenance, 
w^hich  many  affect,  as  giving  them,  what  they  think, 
a  pleasant,  social  air.  This  is,  to  all  discerning 
people,  disgusting,  rather  than  attractive.  But  by 
the  attractive  manner  which  I  would  recommend, 
I  mean,  that  frank,  courteous,  unaffected,  benign 
manner,  which  invites  freedom  of  intercourse,  and 
w^hich  is  adapted  to  place  all  who  approach  us  at 
theirease.  Such  a  quality  in  a  clergyman  is  pe- 
culiarly precious,  and  if  properly  cultivated  and  enn- 
ployed,  may  become  a  blessing  to  thousands.     Of 


LETTERS    O^    CLERICAL    MANNERS.  97 

course,  the  attainment  and  exercise  of  it  oufrht  to 
be  studied.  And  I  know  of  no  means  of  attaining 
it  more  effectual,  than  habitually  cultivating  that  ge- 
nuine christian  benevolence,  which  the  spirit  and 
the  example  of  the  blessed  Saviour  so  powerfully 
recommend.  A  thousand  rules  on  the  subject,  ex- 
pressed with  all  the  point  and  eloquence  imagina- 
ble, and  day  by  day  treasured  up  in  the  memory, 
are  of  small  value  when  compared  with  this  suc- 
cessful culture  of  the  moral  feehn2;s,  and  the  heart. 
18.  While  you  cultivate  habitual  affability,  good 
nature,  and  benevolence  in  conversation,  be  not  too 

READY    TO    MAKE    niOMISKS    OF     SERVICE     tO     tllOSG 

with  whom  you  converse.  The  inexperienced  and 
the  sanguine,  who  have  naturally  an  obliging  tem- 
per, are  extremely  apt  to  be  betrayed  into  this  fault. 
They  feel  much  disposed  to  oblige  ;  and  they  has- 
tily make  promises,  and  excite  expectations,  which 
they  cannot  fulfd.  Be  not  ready  to  promise,  unless 
you  are  sure  of  your  ability  to  perform.  Be  sa- 
credly careful  not  to  disappoint  the  just  expectations 
which  you  have  excited  ;  and  make  a  point,  instead 
of  doing*  less  than  you  saj^,  rathei-  to  do  more.  I 
have  known  a  numberof  men,  and  especially  young- 
men,  in  publick  stations,  who  were  so  ready  to  ex- 
cite expectation  of  the  great  things  they  would  do, 
for  individuals,  or  for  publick  bodies,  and  so  remark- 
ably delinquent  in  accomplisliing  wliat  they  so  has- 
tily undertook,  that,  after  a  while,  no  confidence 
whatever  was  reposed  in  their  undertakings. 


&8  LETTERS    ON    CLERICAL    MANNERS, 

18.  It  is  of  the  utmost  importance  to  one  whose 
profession  leads  }iim  much  into  societ}',  that  he  be 
NOT  READY  TO  TAKE  OFFENCE  at  evcrj  trifle  that 
occurs  in  the  course  of  conversation.  It  is  a  real 
misfortune  for  any  man,  and  especially  for  a  clergy- 
man, when  his  natural  temper  is  jealous  and  suspi- 
cious, and  when  lie  is  ever  on  the  walch  for  some 
fancied  design  to  offend  him,  or  to  wound  his  feel- 
ings. I  have  known  men  in  the  sacred  office  so  ex- 
tremely sensitive  to  every  thing  of  this  kind,  that 
their  best  friends  were  obliged  to  converse  with 
them  with  a  degree  of  caution  truly  painful.  The 
most  innocent  remark  sometimes  became  matter  of 
offence,  and  where  no  one  else  saw  the  remotest 
purpose  of  personal  application,  an  unfortunate  in- 
dividual was  made  an  offender  for  a  word.  Guard, 
I  pray  you,  against  this  unhappy  temper  with  the 
utmost  vigilance.  Never  think  of  taking  offence, 
until  )'ou  are  very  certain  offence  was  intended.  Be 
sure  to  err  rather  on  the  side  of  forbearance  and  cha- 
rity than  of  excessive  suspicion.  Nay,  even  if  you 
have  proof  that  there  was  an  intention  to  wound 
your  feelings,  rather  set  it  down  to  the  score  of 
temporary  peevishness,  than  of  settled  malignity; 
and  be  ready  to  meet  the  offending  individual,  on 
the  next  occasion,  with  the  same  serenity  and  good 
will  as  ever. 

19.  Avoid  becoming  suddenly  and  excessive- 
ly intimatk  WITH  strangers,  at  a  first  interview^ 
and  especially  committing  yourself  to  them. 
This  is  a  great  mark  of  precipitancy  and  weakness. 


LETTERS    ON    CLERICAL    MANNERS.  99 

Be  not  ready  to  trust  every  body.  Confidential 
friendship  is  a  plant  of  slow  growth.  Many  peo- 
ple appear  extremely  plausible,  and  even  fascina- 
ting at  a  first  interview,  who  are  utterly  unworthy 
of  your  confidence,  and  will  be  speedily  discovered 
to  be  so. 

20.  Never,  if  you  can  help  it, put  yourself  in 
THE  POAVER  OF  ANY  MAN.  It  is  indeed,  a  common 
maxim,  that  you  ought  never  to  put  yourself  in  the 
power  of  any  but  tried  friends.  I  would  go  further  ; 
never  do  it  in  any  case,  unless  it  be  absolutely  ne- 
cessary. For  example,  if  it  be  imjjossiblefor  you 
to  proceed  in  a  delicate  and  highly  important  mat- 
ter, without  making  a  confidant  of  some  one,  sub- 
mit to  the  necessity.  Make  the  best  choice  you 
can.  But,  on  no  account,  let  your  communication 
go  further.  It  can  do  no  good,  and  may  do  much 
harm,  in  ways  that  you  never  thought  of  anticipa- 
ting. The  most  prudent  and  useful  publick  men  I 
have  ever  known,  were  found  among  those  who 
exercised  the  most  impenetrable  reserve  respecting 
the  delicate  concerns  of  themselves  and  others. 
Who  did  not  impart  the  knowledge  of  them  even 
to  their  nearest  relations. 

21.  When  you  are  called  to  converse  on  a  sub- 
ject concerning  which  there  is  known  to  exist,  or 
is  likely  to  arise,  a  diversity  of  opinion,  in  your 
congregation  or  neighbourhood,  do  not  be  forward 
to  deliver  your  opinion  upon  it,  unless  you  feel  im- 
periously called  by  a  sense  of  duty  to  do  so.  And 
wlien  you  are  called  to  give  your  opinion  on  such 


100  LETTERS    ON    CLERICAL     MAN^NERS. 

a  subject,  be  careful  to  express  it  in  a  manner  as  lit- 
tle calculated  as  possible  to  mortify  or  irritate  those 
who  differ  from  you.  Why  should  you  intimate, 
that  those  who  think  otherwise  are  cither  "  weak" 
or  •^  wicked  ?"  You  will  not  be  likely  to  do  good 
by  such  language;  and  it  may  deeply  wound,  and 
even  permanently  alienate,  many  of  your  best 
friends. 

22.  Remember  that  a  clergyman  ought  ever  to 
MAINTAIN  PERSONAL  DIGNITY  in  Conversation. 
This  is  too  often  forgotten.  Personal  dignity,  in 
this  case,  may  be  impaired,  by  levity,  by  buffoonery- 
by  the  recital  of  low,  vulgar  anecdotes,  by  any  thing, 
in  short,  which  evinces  the  want  of  that  seriousness^ 
and  self-respect,  which  can  never  be  abandoned 
with  impunity.  Remember  tbat,  though  it  be  not 
only  lawful,  but  desirable,  that  clergymen  should 
be  affable  and  cheerful  ;  yet  that  they  can  never 
manifest  a  spirit  of  habitual  levity  and  jesting,  with- 
out giving  pain  to  all  correct  persons  who  observe 
it.  Dr.  Johnson  was  far  from  being  a  precisian,, 
either  in  his  feelings  or  manners  ;  yet  when  he  saw 
a  couple  of  clergymen  indulging  in  considerable 
mirth  and  jollity  at  a  dinner  table,,  he  said  with  emo- 
tion, ''This  merriment  of  parsons  is  very  disgust- 
ing." And,  truly,  v.'hen  "ministers  of  the  gospel*, 
who  ought  to  set  an  example  of  dignity  as  well  as 
piety,  undertake  to  exhibit  themselves  for  the  en- 
tertainment  of  company  ;  to  recite  low,  common- 
place stories  ;  and  not  only  to  repeat,  but  also  to 
act  their  narratives,   with  ail  the  circumstances  of 


^» 


LETTERS    ON    CLERICAL    MANNERS.  101 

ijomedy  and  farce  which  belong  to  them  ;  it  cannot 
fail  of  giving  pain  to  every  mind  of  correct  chris- 
tian feeling,  and  of  lowering  the  ministerial  charac- 
ter. 

23.  Be  not  ready  to  join  in  noisy  laughter 
against  any  one  who  has  inadvertently  committed 
a  blunder,  either  in  speech  or  action.  It  gives 
pain  ;  and  is  a  mark  of  very  coarse  breeding.  A 
dignified  command  of  the  countenance,  is  a  talent 
of  great  value  to  one  in  apublick  station,  and  adapt- 
ed to  save  him  from  many  an  embarrassing  and 
mortifying  occurrence.  It  is  a  real  infirmity,  and, 
in  a  minister  of  the  gospel  an  unhappy  one,  to  be 
ever  ready  to  laugh,  or  to  be  noted  as  a  great 
laugher. 

24.  It  is  a  great  offence  against  good  breeding  to 
be  ever  ready  to  turn  the  eyes  op  a  company 
ON  A  certain  INDIVIDUAL,  to  whom  somo  remark, 
cursorily  made,  is  supposed  to  be  applicable,  and 
thus,  oftentimes,  deeply  to  embarrass  him.  I  have 
often  seen  this  rule  violated  in  the  publick  assem- 
bly, as  well  as  in  the  parlour.  A  remark  is  made, 
perhaps,  which  is  levelled  at  the  particular  denomi- 
nation or  party  to  which  an  individual  present  be- 
longs, or  at  some  opinion  which  he  holds,  or  some 
conduct  with  which  he  is  known  to  be  chargeable. 
In  an  instant,  every  eye  is  turned  toward  him  ;  and 
perhaps  some  fairly  turn  round  in  their  seats,  to 
gaze  with  a  smirk,  or  a  sneer  at  the  supposed  de- 
linquent.   There  is  something  so  indelicate  in  this, 

I  2 


102  LETTERS    ON    CLERICAL    MANNERS* 

that  a  person  of  truly   correct  feeling    will   by  no 
means  allows  himself  to  practice  it. 

23.  1  have  long  thought  that  the  practice  of  he- 
tailing  ANECDOTES,  was  ottc  by  far  too  much  in- 
dulged by  many  clergymen.  To  be  able  to  tell  a 
seasonable,  appropriate,  short  and  pointed  anecdote, 
now  and  theti,  is  certainly  an  accomplishment  by  no 
means  to  be  despised,  and  very  proper  to  be  indulged 
by  a  clergyman,  as  well  as  by  any  other  man.  But 
to  abound  in  them  ;  to  be  continually  resorting  to 
them;  to  make  the  repetition  of  them  a  favourite 
amusement,  and  one  of  our  characteristicks  ;  is  in- 
deed unworthy  of  a  christian  minister.  I  could  name 
clergymen  who  have  a  set  of  anecdotes,  which  they 
are  constantly  retailing;  some  of  them  very  vulgar; 
a  large  portion  of  them  old  and  perfectly  stale  ;  not 
a  few  relating  to  ludicrous  citations  and  expositions 
of  Scripture,  and,  of  course,  calculated  to  make  the 
Scriptures  ridiculous  in  the  view  of  many  people  : 
and  these,  perhaps,  repeated  the  hundredth  time,  to 
the  loathing  of  many  who  have  heard  them  over  and 
overagain.  A  man  must  have  a  better  memory, and 
a  richer  fund,  than  commonly  fall  to  the  lot  of  the  re- 
tailers of  anecdotes,  who  does  not  repeat  the  items 
in  his  list,  many  times  over,  to  the  same  individuals. 
But  this  is  not  the  worst.  The  persons  in  question, 
by  the  constant  repetition  of  ludicrous  stories,  have 
insensibly  .cherished  in  their  minds  a  habitual  bias  to 
levity,  and  have  come,  at  length,  to  be  expected  to 
be  the  general  jesters  for  their  company. 

26,  This  propensity  to  the  incessant  retailing  of 


LETTERS    ON    CLERICAL    MANNERS.  103 

emecdotes  becomes  more  highly  exceptionable,  when 
it  leads,  as  it  sometimes  does,  to  the  recital  of  those 
which  include  the  repetition  of  profane  ok  obscene 
LANGUAGE.  It  is  in  vain  to  saj  that  he  who  only  re- 
peats the  story,  is  not  the  author  of  the  language,  and 
by  no  means  expresses  his  approbation  of  it.  If  the 
car  be  polluted  by  the  words  of  profaneness  and  ob- 
scenity, it  matters  little  who  first  of  all  uttered  them. 
The  work  of  mischief  is  accumulating  by  every  re- 
petition ;  and  the  desire  of  every  christian  ought  to 
be  that  it  be  never  heard  again. 

27.  Nearly  allied  to  the  practice  of  constantly  re- 
tailing common-place,  or  unseemly  anecdotes,  is  that 
of  habitually  repeating  old  and  stale  proverbs. 
These,  from  the  circumstance  of  their  having  been 
repeated  so  many  thousand  times,  have  ceased  to  in- 
terest; and  many  of  them  are  truly  vulgar,  so  that  to 
be  continually  repeating  them,  would  be  really  to 
subject  yourself  to  the  charge  of  habitual  vulgarity. 
The  truth  is,  making  yourself  remarkable  for  the  fre- 
quent repetition  of  any  particular  form  of  speech,  or 
proverbial  expression,  is  alike  contrary  to  all  good 
taste,  and  good  breeding. 

28.  And  this  leads  me  to  lay  it  down  as  another 
fundamental  principle  of  conversation,  that  nothing 
in  the  least  degree  bordering  on  the  indelicaje,  or 
THE  COARSE,  ought  cvcT  to  cscapc  in  conversation, 
from  the  lips  of  a  minister.  If  you  wish  to  know  how 
far  I  would  carry  this  principle,  I  answer,  if  there  be 
a  thought  or  a  word  which  the  most  delicate  female 
would  shrink  from  uttering  in  a  publick  company  : 


104  LETTERS    ON    CLERICAL    MANNERS. 

if  there  be  an  anecdote,  which  the  most  samjnilous 
matron  would  be  unwilling  to  relate,  if  all  the  world 
were  her  hearers  ;  then  let  no  clergyman  venture  to 
give  utterance  either  to  the  one  or  the  other.  His 
delicacy  ought  to  be  quite  as  scrupulous  and  pure 
as  that  of  the  most  refined  lady. 

29.  It  is  one  of  the  most  ob^ious  dictates  of  good 
manners,  NOT  to  interrupt  another  person  w^hen 
HE  iS  SPEAKING  ;  and  yet  how  frequently  is  this  plain 
rule  of  decorum  violated  !  To  interrupt  one  in  con- 
versation, almost  always  carries  with  it  an  offensive 
character.  It  implies  either,  that  we  are  not  in- 
structed or  interested  by  what  he  is  saying ;  that  we 
have  not  patience  to  hear  him  to  the  end,  and  are 
anxious  that  he  should  come  to  a  more  speedy  close; 
or  that  we  are  v/iser  than  he,  and  more  competent  to 
give  instruction  on  the  subject  on  which  he  is  speak- 
ing ;  neither  of  which  is  consistent  with  that  respect 
and  benevolence  which  we  owe  to  those  with  whom 
we  converse.  But,  while  you  sacredly  guard  against 
interrupting  others  in  conversation,  be  not  impatient 
of  interruption  yourself.  Bear  it  with  calmness,  and 
without  the  least  indication  of  irritated  feeling.  Set 
it  down  to  the  score  of  inadvertence,  of  nervous  ex- 
citement, of  irascible  feeling,  of  constitutional  impa- 
tience— in  short  of  any  thing  rather  than  a  design  to 
give  offence,  unless  you  arc  compelled  by  unques- 
tionable testimony  to  adopt  this  unfavourable  con- 
struction. 

30.  Never  allow  yourself  flatly  and  offensively  to 
CONTRADICT  ANY  ONE  with  whom  you  are  convcrsing, 


LETTERS  ON  CLERICAL  MANNERS.       ]  Oo 

provided  you  mean  to  remain  on  good  terms  with 
him.  It  is  always  a  breach  of  good  manners,  and, 
to  many  persons,  pecuharly  painful  and  embarrass.- 
ing.  It  you  suspect  or  even  if  you  are  certain^  that 
a  statement  made  is  entirely  incorrect,  instead  of  say- 
ing bluntly,  "  that  is  false,"  or  "  that  is  not  true  ;'"' — 
or,  "  the  fact  is  not  as  you  state  it ;" — how  much 
more  delicate  and  proper  to  say—"  Do  you  not  mis- 
take ?" ''  Are  you  not  misinformed  ?" "  I  can- 
not help  thinking  that  you  are  deceived  with  respect 
to  that  matter," Bat  while  you  never  allow  your- 
self bluntly  or  harshly  to  contradict  others,  in  con- 
versation ;  always  make  a  point  of  bearing  it  patient- 
ly when  you  are  contradicted  yourself.  Remember 
that  it  much  oftener  arises  from  coarseness  of  mind, 
and  ignorance  of  propriety,  than  from  any  intention 
to  wound  feelings ;  and,  therefore,  ought,  in  common, 
to  be  pitied,  rather  than  resented,  or  made  matter  of 
offence. 

31.  Guard  against  the  indulgence  of  person- 
al VANITY  in  conversation.  This  is  a  foible,  or 
rather  a  sin,  which  so  frequently  lowers  the  dignity, 
and  interferes  with  the  usefulness  of  men,  otherwise 
of  great  excellence,  that  you  cannot  be  too  careful 
to  fly  from  its  approaches.  In  any  man  it  is  revolt- 
ing; but  in  a  minister  of  the  gospel,  or  in  a  candi- 
date for  the  ministry,  it  is  peculiarly  offensive  and 
degrading.  Let  not  the  excessive  love  of  praise  get 
the  possession  of  your  mind.  Despise  the  petty  and 
unworthy  arts  of  those  who  are  constantly  seeking 
to  draw  it  toward  themselveso     Beware  of  seeming 


106  LETTERS    ON    CLERICAL    MANNERS. 

to  court  observation  or  attention.  Always  remem- 
ber that  the  larger  your  demands  on  others  for  their 
respect  and  admiration,  the  less  they  will  be  disposed 
to  yield  you.  No  man  is  so  likely  to  be  both  ho- 
noured and  loved  as  he  who  appears  never  to  think 
of  soliciting  or  desiring  either.  Whereas  he  who  in- 
sists on  often  dragging  into  view  his  own  excellence, 
and  who  is  continually  blazoning  his  own  talents,  at- 
tainments and  virtues,  will  generally  be  found  to  lose 
reputation  just  in  proportion  as  he  takes  into  his  own 
hands  the  task  of  awarding  it  to  himself. 

32.  Vanity,  in  general,  is  the  parent  of  egotism 
in  conversation  ; — another  foible,  against  which  I 
exhort  you  to  guard.  "  Let  not  the  idea  oi yourself 
appear  to  be  always  present  to  your  imagination." 
Talk  not  of  yourself,  your  plans,  your  doings,  or 
your  affairs,  in  company,  if  you  can  easily  avoid  it. 
Do  not  embrace  every  opportunity  of  relating  some- 
thing to  your  own  advantage,  or  that  of  your  family, 
or  relatives.  It  can  scarcely  be  done  in  any  shape, 
however  ingenious,  without  having  an  unpleasant  ap- 
pearance, and  had,  therefore,  better  be  omitted  al- 
together. Even  speaking  of  your  own  defects  and 
tveaknesses,  will  be  considered  by  many  as  an  in- 
direct compliment  to  yourself;  because  it  conveys 
the  idea  that  you  feel  so  secure  in  the  acknowledged 
possession  of  higher  and  nobler  qualities,  that  you 
call  afford  to  be  thought  defective  in  tliose  of  minor 
importance. 

33.  Do  NOT  AFFECT  WIT  in  couvcrsation.  Wit, 
like  poetry,  to  be  tolerable  must  be  very  good.    Now 


LETTERS    ON    CLERICAL  MANNERS.  107 

very  few  persons  are  possessed  of  this  commodity  in 
its  pjenuine,  attractive  character.  The  greater  part 
of  what  is  called  wit,  like  most  of  the  versifying  in 
our  world,  is  but  an  humble  and  vapid  imitation  of 
that  which  it  wishes  to  be  thought.  Never  attempt 
to  force  nature,  then,  in  the  one  case,  any  more  than 
you  would  in  the  other.  Few  things  are  more  un- 
dignified and  paltry,  than  to  see  a  man  impotently 
struggling  with  attempts  at  wit,  when  the  only  thing 
really  ludicrous  about  the  matter  is,  the  utter  failure 
of  the  effort.  The  probability  is  that  you  have  not 
real  wit.  If  you  have,  it  will  occasionally  disclose 
itself  in  spite  of  your  efforts  to  repress  it.  If  you 
have  not,  atTecting  it,  and  trying  to  excite  it,  will 
only  make  you  an  object  of  ridicule.  And,  after  all, 
it  is  not  a  very  desirable  accomplishment  for  a  min- 
ister of  the  gospel.  It  has  been  commonly  found  to 
be  a  snare  rather  than  a  treasure  to  those  who  real- 
ly possessed  it. 

34.  Do  not  indulge  pedantry  in  conversation. 
By  this  you  will  understand  me  to  mean  a  formal  and 
unseasonable  ostentation  of  learning ;  a  fault  into 
which  men  of  superticial  knowledge,  more  particu- 
larly professional  men,  are  extremely  apt  to  fall,  and 
with  which  some  clergymen,  and  especially  young 
clergymen  are  frequently  chargeable.  If  you  have 
ever  so  much  learning,  there  is  littleness  in  ma- 
king a  parade  of  it ;  and  if  you  have  but  a  small 
portion,  there  is  something  bordering  on  disho- 
nesty in  vaunting  it  as  if  you  had  much.  The 
best  rule  in  the  world  on  this  subject  is,  to  get  as 


lOS  LETTERS    ON    CLERICAL    MANNERS. 

much  knowledge  of  every  valuable  kind  as  you  can  ; 
•and  never  to  make  any  further  display  of  it  than  the 
discharge  of  your  duty  necessarily  demands.  If  you 
were  to  hear  a  physician  or  lawyer  holding  forth,  in 
a  mixed  company,  on  the  techiiicalities  and  the  re- 
condite lore  of  his  profession,  would  you  not  be  dis- 
posed to  smile?  And  ought  you  not  to  guard  against 
exciting  a  smile  in  others  by  similar  conduct  on  your 
own  part  ? 

35.  Both  the  spirit  and  the  language  of  flat- 
tery in  conversation,  are  utterly  unwomhy  of  an 
ambassador  of  Christ.  In  any  man  it  is  base  ;  but 
in  him  who  ought  to  be  a  pattern  and  a  leader  in  all 
that  is  good,  it  is  pre-eminently  base.  Yet  there  are 
clergymen  who  are  by  no  means  i^ree  from  this  charge. 
Their  opinions  of  so  m.any  person  and  things  are 
either  openly  solicited,  or  indirectly  required  ;  and 
their  temptations  to  gratify  the  feelings  of  so  many 
dilFerent  classes  of  people,  are  so  powerful,  that  they 
are  not  always  able  to  resist  them.  I  will  not  sup- 
pose any  one  who  bears  the  sacred  oilice,  to  be  so 
unprincipled  as  to  indulge  in  the  habit  o^  indiscrim- 
inate JIattery,  which,  as  it  must  defeat  its  own  pur- 
pose, is  as  foolish  and  contemptible,  as  it  is  wicked. 
But  what  I  warn  you  against,  is  that  delicate  flatte- 
ry, to  which  many  good  men  are  prone ;  which  fre- 
quently disguises  itse'f  under  the  name  of  benevo- 
lence ;  and  of  which,  perhaps,  the  poison  is  the  more 
deleterious,  because  it  is  so  delicately  and  sparingly 
administered.  Never  flatter  any  one.  Never  make 
your  praise  cheap.     It  is  not  sinful,  indeed,  to  com- 


LETTERS    ON    CLERICAL    MANNERS.  109 

mend  another,  where  commendation  is  really  deserv- 
ed ;  but  let  it  be  bestowed  at  a  proper  time  and 
place ;  and  be  conscientious  in  falling  short  of  what 
is  due,  rather  than  going  beyond  it.  Remember  how 
inflammable  a  thing  human  vanity  is  ;  and  guard 
against  the  risk  of  kindling  it  into  a  flame.  He  that 
Jlatiereth  hhneis^hhimr,  says  the  wise  m'd.w^sjireud- 
eth  a  net  for  his  feet. 

36.  And  as  I  would  warn  you  against  flattering 
others ;  so  I  would  warn  you,  with  no  less  solem- 
nity, against  inviting  commendation  and  flatte- 
ry FROM  OTHERS  TO  YOURSELF.  Nothing  is  morc 
common,  than  what  is  most  expressively  called, 
*'  fishing  for  praise."  Sometimes  it  is  almost  extort- 
ed ;  and  what  is  it  then  worth  ?  Despise  the  little- 
ness, as  well  as  abhor  the  sin,  of  this  miserable  beg- 
gary. I  have  known  ministers  who  were  in  the  con- 
stant habit,  immediately  after  descending  from  the 
pulpit,  if  they  fell  in  with  a  brother  clergyman,  of 
asking  him  his  opinion  of  the  sermon  which  he  had  just 
heard.  Where  such  inquiries  are  confined  to  very 
intimate  friends,  they  are,  perhaps,  not  to  be  wholly 
blamed  ;  although  even  then,  they  are  in  a  greater 
or  less  degree,  indications  of  vanity,  and  spread  a 
snare  for  the  honesty  of  our  friends,  and  had  better 
be  omitted.  But  when  addressed,  as  I  have  known 
them  to  be,  to  strangers  as  well  as  friends,  there  is  a 
httleness  about  them  truly  contemptible.  The  same 
general  remark  may  be  applied  to  those  cases  in 
which,  though  there  be  not  a  direct  solicitation  to 
praise  a  discourse  ;  there  is  evidently  a  door  opened 


no  LETTERS    ON    CLERICAt    MANNERS. 

for  that  purpose.  I  once  knew  a  clergyman,  wha, 
so  far  as  I  had  an  opportunity  of  observing,  never 
failed  of  saying,  to  every  hearer  whom  he  fell  in  with, 
for  half  an  hour  or  an  hour  after  the  close  of  his  own 
sermon,  sabbath  after  sabbath — "  We've  had  a  very 
solemn  subject  to-day."  This  I  have  heard  him  re- 
peat and  repeat,  until  it  became  perfectly  nauseat- 
ing ;  and  have  observed  him  to  bow  and  smile  with 
much  complacency,  when  his  own  indirect  compli- 
ment to  his  sermon,  drew  from  one  good-natured 
auditor  after  another,  a  dose  of  flattery. 

37.  Do  not  SPEAK  of  your  own  performances 
AT  ALL,  after  they  are  brought  to  a  close,  if  you  can, 
consistently  with  duty  avoid  it.  If  you  appear  ^a/i^- 
fied  with  them,  it  will  be  thought  vanity.  If  you 
profess  yourself  dissatisfied,  it  will  be  considered 
as  an  indirect  method  of  inviting  praise.  If  you 
merely  make  the  general  subject  on  which  you  have 
been  discoursing,  the  subject  of  conversation  in  com- 
pany, afterwards,  even  with  the  purest  motives,  it 
will  be  apt  to  be  misconstrued  as  an  ingenious  device 
to  extort  commendation  for  what  you  have  done. 
Never  boast,  on  the  one  hand,  of  the  length  of  time, 
or  the  care  which  you  have  bestowed  on  your  dis- 
courses ;  or,  on  the  other,  of  the  expedition  and  ease 
with  which  you  prepare  them.  Never  allow  your- 
self to  talk  at  all  on  such  subjects,  unless  you  are 
compelled  to  do  it.  A  thousand  other  subjects,  more 
likely,  in  those  circumstances,  to  be  useful,  lie  before 
you.  If  a  discourse  which  you  have  delivered  be 
commended  in  your  presence,  do  not  appear  either 


LETTERS    ON    CLERICAL    MANNERS.  Ill 

io  be  too  much  gratified  with  the  commendation,  or  to 
despise  it.  Receive  the  compUment  either  with  re- 
spectful silence,  with  a  slight  bow,  or  with  the  short- 
est possible  expression  of  thanks;  and,  as  soon  as  is 
consistent  with  courtesy,  change  the  subject. 

38.  Some  persons,  under  the  notion  of  avoiding 
formality  and  flattery,  give  way  to  a  rude  familiari- 
ty, which  they  call,  indeed,  by  some  favourable 
name  ;  but  which  deserves  to  be  severely  reprobat- 
ed. I  have  often  known  young  preachers,  when 
they  had  become  a  little  familiar  with  their  compan- 
ions, in  the  habit,  when  addressing  them,  of  calling 
them  by  their  christian  names  only,  or  by  their  sur- 
names only  ;  and  indulging  habitually,  not  merely  in 
the  freedom,  but  also  in  all  the  coarseness  of  un- 
bridled raillery.  Rely  upon  it,  this  is,  in  general, 
not  wise.  Mutual  dignity,  and  mutual  respect,  are 
indispensable  to  the  continued  existence  of  christian 
friendship,  in  its  most  pure,  delicate,  and  profitable 
form.  If  you  wish  to  maintain  such  friendship,  be 
free  and  unconstrained ;  but  never  indulge  in  rude 
and  coarse  familiarity.  Those  who  are  worthy  of 
your  love,  will  certainly  be  repelled  rather  than  at- 
tracted by  it. 

39.  When  I  remind  you  of  the  importance  of  main- 
taining A  CONSTANT  REGARD  TO  TRUTH  in  Conver- 
sation, you  will  consider  me  as  enforcing  a  plain 
point  in  ethicks,  which  no  one  can  dispute.  But  I 
wish  to  go  further  than  this  language  will  be  popular- 
ly considered  as  importing.  I  mean  much  more 
than  that  a  minister  of  the  gospel  ought  to  avoid 


112  LETTERS    ON    CLERICAL    MANNERS. 

downright  lyings  in  company,  whether  the  object 
of  the  he  be  to  flatter,  or  to  injure.  It  ought  to  be 
his  object,  in  making  every  statement,  in  repeating 
the  most  trivial  narrative,  to  guard  as  carefully 
against  misrepresenting,  or  exagirerating  any  fact,  as 
if  he  were  on  oath;  to  give  no  false  colouring,  no 
over  colouring,  and  not,  even  in  jest,  to  misstate  the 
smallest  circumstance,  I  have  had  the  happiness  to 
be  acquainted  with  a  few  men  whose  habits  were  of 
this  kind  ;  and  it  was  dehghtful  to  observe  what 
weight  it  imparted  to  their  word ;  and  how  com- 
pletely they  were  delivered  from  all  those  trouble- 
some explanations  and  retractions,  to  which  the  less 
scrupulous  were  constantly  exposed. 

40.  Be  strictly  attentive  to  the  circumstances  of 
TIME,  PLACE,  AND  COMPANY  in  convcrsation.  Look 
round  the  room,  before  you  introduce  a  particular 
new  topick,  and  ask  yourself,  whether  it  is  a  suitable 
one  for  that  comjjctny  ?  Or,  whether  there  be  any 
individuals  present  to  whom  it  may  be  peculiarly 
unwelcome  or  embarrassing?  There  is  an  old 
French  proverb,  the  import  of  which  is — "  Be  care- 
ful never  to  mention  a  7^pe  in  the  family  of  a  man 
who  has  been  hanged."  It  is  a  proverb  full  of  good 
sense,  and  social  delicacy.  Yet  nothing  is  more 
common  than  to  see  pei*sons  of  absent  or  coarse 
minds,  violating  this  rule.  They  introduce  subjects, 
or  indulge  remarks,  calculated  to  wound  the  feelings 
of  some  of  the  most  estimable  individuals  present ; 
and  this,  not  for  the  laudable  purpose  of  benefiting 
ilic  individuals  in  question,  or  of  bearing  an  honest 


LETTERS    ON   CLEUICAL    MANNERS.  113 

testimony  against  vice ;  but  from  mere  inadvertence 
or  want  of  feeling.  Think,  therefore,  before  you 
speak,  not  only  what  you  are  about  to  say,  but  also 
to  whom  you  are  about  to  address  it.  It  is  said, 
that  Bishop  Burnet  was  so  apt  to  wound  the  feel- 
ings of  those  with  whom  he  was  conversing,  by  an 
infraction  of  this  rule,  from  mere  absence  of  mind, 
that  some  of  his  best  friends  were  afraid  of  introduc- 
ing him  to  distinguished  strangers,  lest  he  should  em- 
barrass them  as  well  as  himself  by  an  infirmity,  which, 
if  its  effects  had  not  been  sometimes  so  painful, 
would  have  been  often  infinitely  ludicrous.'  Direct 
particular  attention  to  this  object ;  and  it  will  soon 
become  as  much  a  fixed  habit  of  your  mind  to  advert 
to  the  persons  addressed  in  every  conversation,  as 
to  any  other  circumstance  attending  the  communi- 
cation. 

41.  When  any  persons  impart  to  you  a  knowledge 
of  facts  in  confidence,  make  a  point  of  being  deli- 
cately  FAITHFUL    TO    THE     TRUST     COMMITTED    TO 

YOU.  It  not  unfrequently  happens  that  the  sick  and 
the  dying  ;  persons  in  difficulty  and  distress  ;  and 
persons  under  anxiety  of  mind  respecting  their  eter- 
nal state,  make  communications  in  confidence  to 
ministers  of  the  gospel ;  under  the  impression  that 
they,  of  all  men,  may  be  most  safely  trusted.  In 
every  such  case,  preserve  the  most  inviolable  se- 
cresy.  But  there  are  many  other  cases,  in  which, 
though  no  formal  injunction  of  secresy  is  expressed, 
still  it  ought  by  all  means  to  be  understood,  by  ev- 
ry  delicately  prudent  mind.  We  all  know  how  fre- 
K  2 


114  JLETTERS   ON    CLERICAL    MANNERS, 

quently,  and  with  what  strict  honour,  professional! 
secrets  are  kept  by  Lawyers  and  Physicians  ^  and  I 
have  long  been  of  the  opinion  that  habits  of  more 
strict  reserve  than  have  commonly  been  thought 
needful,  ought  to  be  maintained  by  clergymen,  with 
regard  to  all  communications  made  to  them,  as 
such ;  whether  formally  confidential  or  not ;  and 
that  even  after  an  ordinary  conversation  on  any  de- 
licate or  important  subject,  it  is  always  best  to  avoid 
repeating  what  has  been  communicated.  No  one  can 
tell  how  many  things  may  occur  which  may  render 
it  peculiarly  important  that  he  should  have  kept  it 
to  himself.  You  may  publish  your  ov/n  secrets,  if 
you  choose  to  be  weak  enough  to  do  so ;  but  you 
have  no  right  to  publish  those  of  others.  In  general, 
a  publick  man  ought  to  repeat  very  little  of  what  is 
communicated  to  him.  It  can  do  no  harm,  in  com- 
mon cases,  to  keep  it  secret,  while  the  mischiefs  of 
disclosing  it  may  be  endless. 

42.  It  is  the  fault  of  many  to  be  loud,  and  even 
BOISTEROUS,  in  conversation.  If  the  company  be 
ever  so  large,  the  moment  they  become  a  little  en- 
gaged and  animated,  they  speak  loud  enough  not 
only  to  be  heard  in  every  part  of  the  room,  but  so 
as  to  attract  and  even  force  the  attention  of  the 
whole  company  ;  and  that,  perhaps,  when  convers- 
ing on  a  subject  which  ought  not  to  be  matter  of 
such  publick  proclamation.  There  is  no  little  in- 
delicacy in  this.  When  you  are  publickly  address- 
ed, across  a  room,  in  such  a  manner  as  plainly  evin- 
ces a  desire  that  the  whole  company  should  hear 


LETTERS    ON    CLERICAL     MANNERS.  115 

your  answer ;  let  your  reply  be  audihJe^  but  not 
loud.  Let  mildness  and  dignity  mark  every  word 
you  utter. 

43.  Guard  against  the  too  frequent  use  of 
SUPERLATIVES  in  your  social  intercourse.  Persons 
of  ardent,  impetuous  minds,  and  especially  the  young, 
are  apt  to  manifest  an  undue  fondness  for  the  super- 
lative degree  in  conversation,  if  they  praise  any 
person  or  thing,  they  seem  to  think  of  using  no  epi- 
thets but  those  which  indicate  the  highest  grade  of 
excellence.  If  they  commend  any  one's  talents^ 
they  are  sure  to  represent  them  as  of  "  the  highest 
order."  If  they  would  speak  well  of  a  sermon, 
they  pronounce  it  "incomparably  excellent.'"  On 
the  contrary,  if  they  undertake  to  express  an  unfa- 
vourable opinion,  the  terms, '•  contemptible,"  "ex- 
ecrable," "  detestable,"  are  the  softest  which  they 
think  of  employing.  In  short,  the  more  high- 
wrought  their  figures,  and  the  more  intense  and  ar- 
dent their  whole  style  of  expression,  the  more  in- 
teresting they  suppose  their  conversation  to  be.  Let 
me  entreat  you  to  guard  against  the  habitual  use  of 
this  vehemence  and  intensity  of  language.  It  is  sel- 
dom called  for.  Men  of  sense  and  good  taste  rarely 
permit  themselves  to  employ  it.  A  strict  regard  to 
truth  generally  forbids  it.  And  with  respect  to  those 
who  are  in  the  hahit  of  employing  it,  both  their 
praise  and  their  blame  soon  become  cheap,  and,  at 
length  worthless.  He  who  wishes  his  approbation 
or  his  censure  to  go  for  much,  must  not  be  very 
lavish  of  either. 


116  LETTERS    ON    CLERICAL    MANNERS. 

44.  Seek  all  convenient  opportunities  of  conver- 
sing WITH  THE  EMINENTLY  WISE  AND  GOOD,  and 
OP    LISTENING     TO     THEIR     CONVERSATION.       Espe  : 

cially  when  you  are  engaged  in  investigating  an 
important  subject,  endeavour,  if  possible,  to  enjoy 
the  privilege  ol  conversing  on  that  subject  with 
some  individual,  and  even  with  more  than  one,  of 
profound  views,  and  extensive  reading.  You  may 
often  learn  more  in  an  hour,  by  conversing  with 
such  an  one,  than  by  the  solitary  reading  or  medi- 
tation of  a  month.  Dr.  Franklin^  once  told  a 
friend,  that  some  of  his  most  original  thoughts 
were  suggested  by  the  collision  of  conversation  ; 
and  that,  too,  very  often,  upon  subjects  foreign 
to  those  on  which  he  was  conversing.  And  Mr. 
Fox,  the  far  famed  parliamentary  orator,  declared 
in  the  British  House  of  Commons,  that  he  had  learn- 
ed more  from  Mr.  Burke's  conversation  than  from 
all  the  books  he  had  ever  read  in  his  life.* 

45.  Finally ;  be  cdnstantlt  and  vigilantly 
OBSERVANT  of  the  habits  in  conversation  of  those 
persons  who  are  considered  as  most  pleasant  and 
acceptable  in  this  department  of  social  intercourse. 
In  every  community  there  are  those  who  are  uni- 
versally allowed  to  excel  in  colloquial  accomplish- 
ments. Now  it  will  be  very  unwise  to  be  humble 
imitators  of  such  persons  ;  but  it  will,  undoubted- 
ly, be  the  part  of  wisdom  to  take  notice  of  the 
means  by  which  they  attain  success  ;  and  to  make 

*  Rush's  Introductory  Lectures,  p.  349. 


LETTERS    ON    CLERICAL    MANNERS.  117 

such  use  of  what  you  see,  as  your  own  particular 
talents,  habits,  and  character  may  render  proper. 
I  doubt  whether  any  man  ever  acquired  much  ex- 
cellence in  this  important  art,  without  the  happy 
talent  of  close  observation,  and,  in  this  way, 
as  well  as  by  his  own  good  sense,  making  him- 
self master  of  the  proprieties  and  delicacies  which 
become  the  social  circle. 


IiBTTER     V^ 


LET  YOUR  SPEECH  BE   ALWAYS    WITH    GRACE  SEASO.XED 
WITH  SAL  T.  Coloss.  iv.  G. 


RELIGIOUS    CONVERSATION. 


My  dear  young  Friend, 

To  be  able  to  introduce  the  great  subject  of  Re- 
ligion, in  an  easy,  seasonable,  and  acceptable  man- 
ner, in  the  daily  intercourse  of  society,  is  a  most 
precious  talent,  the  uses  of  which  are  more  various, 
more  rich,  more  numerous,  and  more  important, 
than  almost  any  that  can  be  mentioned. 

That  this  ability,  when  it  exists  in  a  high  degree, 
is,  in  part,  a  natural  talent,  cannot  be  doubted. 
The  physical  temperament  of  some  men  is  much 
more  favourable  to  the  ready  and  unconstrained 
performance  of  the  duty  in  question,  than  that  of 
many  others.  More  stress,  however,  I  apprehend, 
has  been  sometimes  laid  on  this  fact,  than  there 
ought  to  have  been.  Not  a  few  allege  that  they 
have  "no  gift"  of  this  kind,  and,  therefore,  content 
themselves  in  the  habitual  neglect  of  the  duty.  At 
any  rate,  they  rarely  attempt  it,  and  think  that  they 
cannot  perform  it,  even  tolerably.  But  it  would 
be  just  as  reasonable  to  plead,  because  an  easy,  plea- 
sant, and  attractive  elocution  is  natural,  in  a  peculiar 


LETTERS    ON    CLERICAL     MANNERS.  US 

degree,  to  some,  that  therefore  others  who  cannot 
attain  equa]  excellence  in  this  respect,  ougl.t  not 
to  attempt  to  speak  at  all.  The  fact  is,  the  power 
of  introducing  and  maintaining  religious  conversa- 
tion well,  though  to  a  certain  extent,  a  natural  gift, 
is  yet  capable  of  great  improvkment,  nay,  it 
may  be  said,  of  unlimited  improvement  ;  and  the 
true  reason,  no  doubt,  why  some  persons,of  plain 
talents,  and  with  even  striking  disadvantages  of 
physical  temperament,  yet  excel  in  this  happy  art, 
is  that  they  have  taken  pains  to  cultivate  a 
talent  so  peculiarly  precious  to  the  pious  mind,  and 
so  manifestly  useful  in  all  the  intercourse  of  life. 
To  what  appear  to  me  some  of  the  best  mean.^  of 
carrying  on  this  cultivation,  I  shall  advert  before 
closing  the  present  letter. 

My  first  object  shall  be  to  point  out  some  errors, 
in  relation  to  this  subject,  which  appear  to  me  to  be 
prevalent;  and  this  will  prepare  the  way  for  a  few 
general  counsels  for  conducting  religious  conversa- 
tion ;  and  also  for  cultivating  a  happy  talent  for  the 
discharge  of  this  part  of  christian  and  ministerial 
duty. 

1.  It  is  an  error  to  suppose  that  religfous  conver- 
sation tnust  be  introduced  on  all  occasions,  and  in 
all  companies,  indiscriminately,  whether  the  time, 
the  character  of  the  persons  present,  and  the  cir- 
cumstarices,  favour  it  or  not.  No  doubt  many  who 
have  but  little  taste  for  such  conversation,  omit  to 
introduce  it.  under  the  plea  that  there  is  ^<^no  good 
opportunity,"  when  it  is  really  otherwise.     But 


120  LETTERS    ON    CLERICAL    MANNERS. 

there  can  be  as  little  doubt,  that  there  are  many 
occasions,  in  which  no  suitable  opening  for  it  is 
presented.  On  such  occasions,  to  drag  forward  thft 
subject,  in  a  formal  manner,  and  as  it  were,  "  by 
main  force,"  is  never  judicious,  and  often  very  re- 
volting. It  frequently  has  the  appearance  of  being 
done  as  a  kind  of  official  task,  which  is  never  likely 
to  do  good.  Be  always  on  the  watch  fur  opportu- 
nities of  saying  something  for  the  honour  of  your 
Master,  and  for  the  welfare  of  the  souls  of  men  ; 
but  do  not  think  it  your  duty  to  cvnnpel  people  to 
listen  to  you  on  this  most  sacred,  important  and  de- 
licate of  all  subjects,  when  their  character,  their 
situation  and  their  employment  evidently  close  up 
every  suitable  avenue  of  approach. 

2.  It  is  an  error  to  imagine  that  the  same  methods 
of  introducing  and  maintaining  religious  conversation, 
are  equally  adapted  to  all  persons,  and  all  occasions. 
If  I  am  not  deceived,  many  adopt  the  notion  that  the 
very  same  plan  of  approach  will  answer  in  all  cases, 
for  the  rich  and  the  poor,  the  learned  and  the  illite- 
rate, the  occupant  of  hi^h  office,  and  the  most  un- 
pretending, obscure  citizen.  This  is  to  set  at  nought 
all  the  principles  of  human  nature,  and  to  forget  that 
the  circumstances  of  men  have  much  effect  in  modi- 
fying their  feelings  and  character.  If  we  open  the 
Bible,  we  shall  see  ample  warrant  for  addressing 
some  persons  on  this  subject  unceremoniously  and 
directly  ;  and  others  in  a  more  cautious  and  circui- 
tous manner.  In  this  sense,  we  ought,  with  the 
apostle,  to  "  become  all  things  to  all  men,  that  we 


LETTERS   ON   CLERICAL   MANNERS.  121 

may  gain  some  ;"  not  by  flattering  their  prejudices, 
or  countenancing  their  corruptions  ;  but  by  endea- 
vouring skilfully  to  adapt  our  instructions  and  exhor- 
tations to  their  several  habits,  attainments,  circum- 
stances, and  taste.  Those  who  are  most  intelligent, 
and  whose  pride  would  be  most  apt  to  be  offended 
by  an  abrupt  address,  might  be  approached,  and  per- 
haps won,  in  an  indirect  and  gradual  manner.  There 
are  thousands  to  w^hom  I  might  safely  say — "  Pray, 
Sir,  do  you  cherish  the  hope  that  you  are  a  real 
christian  ?"  But  there  are  many  others,  to  whom  if 
I  were  to  address  such  a  question,  I  should  expect  to 
b«  shut  out  from  all  opportunity  of  approaching  or 
benefiting  them  afterwards.  Yet  the  very  same  peo- 
ple might,  by  a  little  address,  be  insensibly  drawn 
into  a  free  conversation  on  the  same  subject,  and  to 
answer  that  very  question,  without  the  least  oiTence. 
This  is  one  of  the  many  cases  in  which  some  know- 
ledge of  human  nature  and  of  the  world  is  essentfal  to 
a  wise  discharge  of  duty.  Nor  is  it  a  valid  objection 
to  this  counsel  to  say,  that,  if  we  follow  it,  we  may  be 
tempted  to  defer  too  much  to  human  rank,  and  cor- 
rupt refinement.  There  is,  no  doubt,  danger  on  this 
quarter,  against  which  we  ought  to  guard.  But  the 
abuse  of  a  thing,  is  not  a  legitimate  argument  against 
its  use.  Counterfeits  do  not  prove  that  there  is  no 
true  money,  but  rather  the  reverse. 

3.  Another  very  common  erroi\  in  religious  con- 
versation, is  TO  SAY  TOO  MUCH.  A  man  may  be  "  too 
full  of  talk  "  on  this,  as  well  as  on  any  other  subject. 
That  is,  he  may  talk  so  much  and  so  loi]g,  as  to  be- 

L 


i22  LETTERS    ON"   CLERICAL    MANNERS. 

€ome  "  a  weariness"  even  to  his  pious  hearers,  and 
ttiuch  more  to  those  who  are  not  pious.  This  is  far 
from  being  a  rare  occurrence;  and  it  becomes  espe- 
cially an  evil,  when  the  pious  sentiments  uttered, 
are  all  of  the  most  common-place  sort ;  and,  not  only 
so,  but  dealt  out  in  that  common-place,  task-like 
manner,  which  very  seldom  makes  a  favourable  im- 
pression among  discerning  people.  Guard,  then, 
against  "excessive  talkativeness,"  even  here.  Let 
what }  ou  say  on  this  subject  be  a  real  "conversation." 
Let  one  object  of  your  address  be,  to  induce  others 
to  talk,  and  disclose  their  sentiments  and  feelings, 
that  you  may  know  how  to  answer  them.  Let  your 
part  of  the  discussion  be  as  lively,  pointed,  and  short 
as  you  can  make  it.  Never  allow  it  to  degenerate 
into  formal,  tedious  preaching,  or  rather  prosing. 

4.  Once  more,  it  is  the  error  of  some  to  imagine 
that  religious  conversation  is  to  be  carried  on  with  a 
tone  of  voice,  and  an  aspect  of  countenance,  peculiar 
to  itself.  Hence,  while  these  persons  converse  on 
all  other  subjects  in  a  simple,  easy,  natural  manner, 
the  moment  they  pass  to  the  subject  of  religion,  their 
whole  manner  is  changed.  It  becomes  formal  and 
artificial ;  so  that  you  would  scarcely  know  them  to 
be  the  same  persons  who  had  been  a  few  njinutes 
before  conversing  on  ordinary  subjects.  This  is  a 
fault  as  unreasonable  as  it  is  repulsive.  Why  should 
men  cease  to  speak  naturally,  when  they  come  to 
speak  on  a  subject  the  most  interesting  and  delightful 
in  the  world  ?  Shun  this  fault  with  the  utmost  care. 
vE)f)  not,  indeed,  allow  yourself  to  fall  into  the  oppo- 


LETTERS    ON    CLERICAL    MANNERS.  123 

site  extreme.— 'I  mean  talking  on  the  subject  of  reli- 
gion with  levity.  But  at  the  same  time,  let  all  gri- 
mace, all  sanctimoniousness  of  manner,  all  affected 
solemnitj,  all  lofty  dictation,  be  carefully  avoided^ 
The  more  simple,  affable,  and  entirely  inartificial 
your  manner,  the  more  you  will  gratify  all  classes  ; 
nor  is  this  all ;  the  more  easy  will  you  always  find  it 
to  slide  insensibly  into  religious  conversation,  with- 
out alarming  the  fears  of  the  most  thoughtless;  and 
the  more  easy  to  recur  to  it  again,  after  a  little  inter- 
ruption from  other  topicks. 

But,  to  guard  against  these  errors,  is  not  all  that 
is  incumbent  upon  you  in  privately  conversing  with 
jncn  on  their  eternal  interests.  My  next  object,  then, 
shall  be  to  offer  a  few  counsels,  which  I  v/oald  fain 
hope  may  not  be  altogether  useless.     And, 

1.  My  first  counsel  is,  that  you   make  a  point 

OF  INTRODUCING  RELIGIOUS  CONVERSATION,  WHEN- 
EVER YOU  HAVE  A  GOOD  OPPORTUNITY,  AND  THAT 
you  ABOUND  IN  IT  WHEREVER  YOU  GO. 

It  is  melancholy  to  think  how  many  hours  minis- 
ters spend  in  company,  without  saying  a  word  to  re- 
commend either  the  service  or  kingdom  of  their 
Master.  Nay,  some  of  these  hours  are  spent  in  the 
company  of  the  truly  pious,  with  whom  there  is 
no  obstacle  to  religious  conversation ;  who  expect 
it ;  who  desire  it ;  and  who  are  disappointed  at 
not  finding  it  introduced.  To  be  backward  in  intro- 
ducing it  in  such  company  is  unpardonable.  But 
this  is  not  all.     In  every  company  and  in  every  situ- 


124  BETTERS    ON    CLERICAL    MANNERS^ 

ation,  be  on  the  watch  for  opportunities  to  speak  2 
word  for  Christ.  And  when  you  do  not  Jind  oppor- 
tunities, by  a  little  address,  you  may  make  them  : 
and  you  wlli  often  do  so,  if  you  have  as  eager,  and  as 
incessant  a  desire  to  do  good,  as  the  miser  has  to  tuni 
every  thing  into  the  channel  of  gain,  and  the  ambi- 
tious man  to  gather  laurels  from  all  quarters.  I  have 
often  been  struck  with  that  passage,  in  which  the 
Apostle  Patd,  when  writing  to  the  Hebrev/s  con- 
cerning  ministers,  says — '•  They  watch  /or  souls.*' 
And,  truly,  the  minister  vfho  acts  on  the  principles 
of  enlightened  fidelity,  will  thus  "  watch,"  not  only 
in  the  pulpit,  but  daily,  and  in  all  the  walks  of  private 
intercourse.  Let  me  entreat  you,  then,  to  lose  no 
good  onnortunity  of  conversing  on  the  most  precious 
of  all  subjects.  Let  your  conversation,  continually 
be  "  with  grace,  seasoned  with  salt,  that  it  may  min- 
ister grace  to  the  hearers."  You  may  say  a  thousand 
useful  things  in  private  conversation,  which  you 
never  could  utter  in  the  pulpit.  You  may  answer 
questions,  solve  scruples,  obviate  objections,  reprove 
faults,  and  communicate  knowledge  in  the  parlour, 
which  could  by  no  means  be  brought  into  the  sanc- 
tuary. Above  all,  in  many  cases  of  private  discourse 
you  may  come  near  to  the  heart  and  the  conscience, 
and  adapt  your  instructions  to  individual  exigencies, 
in  a  way  altogether  impracticable  in  addressing  a 
public  assembly.  It  has,  therefore,  often  occurred 
to  me  as  a  fact  equally  wonderful  and  humiliating, 
that  Christian  ministers  are  not  commonly  more  vi- 
gilant in  availing  themselves  of  this  advantage,  and 


LETTERS    ON   CLERICAL    MANNERS.  125 

more  unceasing  in  the  use  of  it.  That  their  minds 
are  not  found  teeming  with  good  thoughts,  pious  hints, 
and  instructive,  weighty  sentiments,  as  well  as  direct 
addresses,  wherever  they  go« . 

2.  Cultivate  the  important  art  of  introducing 

CONVERSATION  ON    THE  SUBJECT  OF  RELIGION  IN  AN 

EASY  AND  HAPPY  MANNER.  One  of the  greatest  dif- 
ficulties attending  this  whole  subject  is  to  begin  well. 
A /brma/  introduction  of  the  subject ;  an  introduc- 
tion which,  as  it  were,  announces  beforehand  the 
intention  of  talking  piously  ;  and  which,  of  course, 
excites  the  fears  of  those  who  have  no  taste  for  such 
conversation,  ought  certainly,  in  ordinary  cases,  to 
be  avoided.  No  less  undesirable  is  an  abrupt  com- 
mencement of  this  species  of  conversation,  that  is, 
suddenly  entering  upon  it,  when  something  ygyj  dif- 
ferent had  been,  the  instant  before,  the  subject  of 
discourse.  But  why  should  we  ever  do  either  of 
these  ?  What  subject  can  possibly  be  started,  by 
any  individual,  or  in  any  company,  v/hicli  a  man  of 
good  sense,  and  whose  heart  is  filled  with  pious  and 
benevolent  emotions,  may  not  soon,  and  without  vio- 
lence, convert  into  a  medium  of  some  useful  sugges- 
tions on  the  subject  of  religion  ?  The  state  of  the 
weather ;  the  prospects  of  the  husbandman ;  the 
news  of  the  day  ;  an  ordinary  domestick  occurrence  ; 
the  return  of  spring ;  the  approach  of  autumn  ;  or 
an  accident  on  the  road  ; — these,  or  any  analogous 
topicks  which  may  be  hinted  at,  furnish  ample  occa- 
sions for  the  introduction  of  pious  sentiments  ;  inso- 
much that  a  social  circle,  might,  by  a  person  of  tol- 


126      LETTERS  ON  CLERICAL  MAN  NEKS, 

erable  address,  and  of  the  proper  spirit,  be  trans- 
lated from  the  region  of  perfect  levity,  to  the  region 
of  serious  and  devout  reflection,  before  they  were 
aware  that  the  transition  was  intended.  This  is  a 
happy  art.  All  may  learn  it  who  will  be  vigilant 
enough,  and  take,  pains  enough  for  the  purpose. 
With  a  nnoderate  knowledge  of  human  nature ;  a 
tolerable  address  ;  a  little  attention  to  incidents  as 
they  arise ;  and  a  heart  glowing  with  desire  to  do 
good,  the  task  is  easy,  "  Covet  earnestly  this  gift ;" 
labour  without  ceasing  to  make  it ;  and  you  will  not 
labour  in  vain. 

3.   Let  your  conversation  be  adapted  to  the 

CHARACTER    OP    THE     COMPANY     INTO     WHICH     YOU 

MAY  HAPPEN  TO  BE  THROWN,  if  thc  Company 
with  which  you  are  called  to  converse,  be  all  pro- 
fessors of  religion,  there  will,  ordinarily,  be  little 
difficulty  in  adapting  your  discourse  to  them  ;  for 
you  may  speak  directly  and  pointedly  on  any  topick 
which  occurs  as  important.  Especially,  you  may 
enter  with  freedom  into  all  the  refreshing  richness 
of  conversation  on  christian  experience.  If,  on  the 
contrary,  the  company  consist  altogether  of  gay  and 
worldly  people,  your  utmost  ingenuity  will  often  be 
put  to  the  test  in  leading  them  on  to  instructive  and 
edifying,  as  well  as  pleasant  discourse.  Yet  even 
this  may  be  done,  if  you  take  them  by  the  right  han- 
dle. When  the  circle  in  which  you  are  seated,  as 
will  be  apt  more  frequently  to  happen,  is  made  up 
partly  of  professors  of  religion,  and  partly  of  those 
wko  are  not  so,  a  very  happy  use  may  be  made  of 


EETTERJ^   ON    CLERICAL    MANNERS.  1"27 

the  foviner^  as  a  medium  of  conveying  instruction 
to  the  latter.  As  it  is  oftentimes  one  of  the  most 
eifectual  modes  of  addressing  parents^  to  do  it 
through  the  medium  of  their  children^  so  we  may 
frequently  speak  to  the  worldly  and  thoughtless  most 
impressively  through  the  medium  of  the  pious,  who 
are  seated  in  their  presence.  In  short,  study  dili- 
gently the  different  tastes  and  habits  of  the  aged  and 
the  young,  the  polished  and  the  rough,  the  learned 
and  the  illiterate,  the  fashionable  and  the  plain,  in 
whose  society  you  may  find  yourself^  and  endeavour 
to  have  "  a  word  in  season,^'  a  set  of  topicks,  and  a 
mode  of  treating  them,  adapted  to  their  several  cha~ 
racters. 

4.  Guard  against  giving  your  remarks  on  religion, 
in  the  social  circle,  an  air  of  dictation  and  au- 
thority. This  caution,  which  was  mentioned  be- 
fore in  reference  to  common  conversation,  is  no  less 
important  in  reference  to  the  subject  of  religion. 
Ministers,  from  the  circumstance  of  their  being  so 
much  accustomed  to  speak  with  authority,  from  the 
pulpit,  are  apt,  spontaneously,  and  even  insensibly, 
to  fall  into  a  similar  manner  of  speaking  in  private ; 
to  be  impatient  of  contradiction  ;  and  to  ieal^  when 
their  opinions  are  in  any  measure  controverted,  as 
if  their  official  dignity  were  invaded.  Let  no  spirit 
or  feeling  of  this  kind  intrude  into  your  social  inter- 
course. The  more  entirely  you  can  divest  yourself 
of  it,  and  sit  down  with  your  friends  and  associates 
on  terms  of  perfect  equality,  as  a  friend  and  brother, 
who  claims  no  authority  over  their  consciences,  but 


128  LETTERS    ON    CLERICAL    MANNERS. 

is  actuated  supremely  by  a  regard  to  their  temporal 
and  eternal  interest,  the  more  easy  and  aflectionate 
will  your  conversation  be,  and  the  more  likely  will 
you  be  to  make  a  fa\  ourable  impression  on  their 
minds. 

5.  In  conducting  religious  conversation,  as  much 

AS     POSSIBLE     AVOID     THLOLOGI:  AL     CONTROVERSY. 

I  before  cautioned  you  against  the  habit  of  faUing 
into  controversy  on  any  subject  in  company.  But 
I  would  now  warn  you  that  religious  controversy, 
when  you  are  conversing  with  persons  with  a  view 
to  their  spiritual  benefit,  is  peculiarly  undesirable, 
and  ought  to  be  avoided  as  much  as  posible.  I  say, 
as  much  as  possible  ;  for  there  are  doubtless  cases 
in  which  it  is  not  possible  to  avoid  it,  without  shrink- 
ing from  the  defence  of  the  truth.  .  You  will  some- 
times fall  in  with  persons,  who,  from  a  love  of  dispu- 
tation, from  ill  manners,  from  enmity  to  the  truth, 
or  from  a  desire  to  put  your  ingenuity  to  the  test, 
will  compel  you  cither  to  be  silent,  or  to  defend 
your  opinions.  When  you  meet  with  such  persons, 
you  must  manage  them  in  the  best  way  you  can.  Do 
not,  however,  even  with  such,  allow  a  dispute  to  be 
much  protracted.  Draw  it  to  a  close  as  soon  as 
practicable.  Carry  it  on,  while  it  lasts,  with  all  the 
''  meekness  and  gentleness  of  Christ."  And  let  them 
see  that  you  take  no  personal  offence  at  having  your 
opinions  questioned  ;  but  simply  desire  to  defend 
what  you  deem  truth,  and  to  guard  them  from  inju- 
rious error. 

But  in  all  cases  in  which  controversy  can  proper- 


I.ETTERS    ON    CLERICAL    MANNERS.  129 

fy  be  avoided,  by  all  means  decline  engaging  in  it. 
Theological  disputes;  in  the  social  circle,  are  seldom 
profitable,  and  often  highly  mischievous.  They  sour 
the  temper;  but  commonly  leave  each  party  con- 
firmed in  his  original  opinion.  In  your  ordinary 
religious  conversation,  then,  keep  as  clear  of  what 
are  called  disputed  points  in  theology,  as  possible, 
consistently  with  conveying  sound  and  useful  in- 
struction in  divine  truth.  When  you  are  compelled 
to  touch  on  them,  let  it  be  under  a  practical  rather 
than  polemical  aspect,  and  in  terms  as  little  adapted 
to  give  offence  as  possible.  When  you  perceive  the 
most  distant  symptom  of  approaching  controversy, 
take  measures  to  avert  the  impending  storm.  This 
may  commonly  be  done  by  a  few  kind  words,  or  by 
giving  a  practical  turn  to  the  argument.  It  may  be 
easy  to  prevent  the  evil ;  but  by  no  means  so  easy 
to  cure  it  when  we  have  once  fallen  under  its  pow* 
er. 

6.  You  will  sometimes  fall  in  company  with  in- 

riDELS,  WHO    TOTALLY    REJECT    REVELATION.      Con- 

versatioH  with  them  is  always  a  delicate,  and  often  a 
difficult  task.  Make  a  point  of  treating  them  re- 
spectfully, as  long  as  they  maintain  decorum  on  their 
part ;  and  even  if  they  scoff  and  blaspheme,  do  not 
suffer  yourself  to  be  so  far  borne  away  by  irascible 
feeling,  as  to  address  them  in  opprobrious  language. 
As  long  as  their  deportment  admits  of  your  continu- 
ing to  argue  with  them,  do  it  in  the  spirit  of  meek- 
ness and  benevolence.  In  addressing  them  do  not 
permit  yourself  to  call  them  by  hard  names,  ot  to 


130      LETTERS  OX  CLERICAL  MANNERS. 

impute  to  them  base  motives.  Endeavour  to  con- 
vince them  that  you  are  actuated,  not  by  a  spirit  of 
personal  resentment,  or  wounded  pride;  but  by  a 
regard  to  the  cause,  of  God,  and  their  own  eternal 
welfare.  In  arguing  with  them,  however,  do  not 
merely  stand  on  the  defensive  ;  but  show  them,  on  the 
plan  oi  Butler^  s  "Analogy,"  and  similar  books,  that 
most  of  the  objections  which  they  urge  against  Re- 
velation, lie  with  equal  force  against  natural  religion, 
which  they  commonly  profess  to  believe.  1  have 
seldom  seen  an  unbeliever  who  was  able  to  stand 
five  minutes  before  the  argumentum  ad  hominem 
plan  of  treatment.  Above  all,  in  addressing  them, 
while  you  appeal  to  their  understandings,  never  fail, 
iii  a  inild  and  respectful  manner,  to  appeal  to  their 
consciences  and  their  hearts.  All  my  experience 
tells  me  that  nothing  is  so  hkely  to  impress  them  as 
this. 

7.  In  conversing  with  persons  of  a  different  re- 
iMGious  denomination  FROM  YOUR  OWN,  thcrc  is 
need  of  much  vigilance  both  as  to  the  matter  and 
7nanner  of  your  conversation.  In  all  such  conver- 
sations, guard  against  either  manifesting  or  feeling  a 
proselyting  spirit.  Be  much  more  anxious  to  see 
them  Christians^  than  to  see  them  Presbyterians. 
Dwell,  therefore,  much  more  on  the  fundamental 
and  precious  points  of  our  common  Christianity,  than 
on  the  peculiarities  of  either  their  or  your  church. 
While  they  see  that  you  are  deeply  serious,  and  anx- 
ious to  promote  their  eternal  welfare,  let  them  per- 
ceive  that  you,  are  not  anxious  to  win  them  to  your 


LETTERS    ON   CLERICAL    MANNERS.  131 

party.  Agree  with  them  as  far  as  you  can.  Treat 
them  with  pointed  respect  and  attention  ;  if  they  ap- 
pear pious,  with  as  much  affection  as  if  they  belong- 
ed to  your  particular  denomination ;  and  even  if  they 
make  overtures  for  joining  your  own  church,  do  not 
be  ready  to  catch  at  their  proposal.  Manifest  no 
eagerness  to  receive  them.  On  the  contrary,  rather 
shov/,  in  all  their  extent,  the  difficulties  wiiich  lie  in 
the  way  of  transferring  their  religious  connexion. 
However  unworthily,  in  relation  to  this  subject,  per- 
sons of  other  sects  may  treat  you  or  yours,  never  al- 
low yourself  to  imitate  their  pernicious  example. 

8.  The  introduction  of  religious  conversation 
among  eniire  strangers,  is  often  very  desirable 
and  important;  and  yet,  frequently,  requires  no  lit- 
tle address.  I  said  that  it  is  often  very  desirable  and 
important ;  for  more  than  once  have  I  known  a  min- 
ister to  be  in  company  a  whole  afternoon,  or  longer, 
with  a  circle  of  strangers,  several  of  whom,  though 
unknown  to  him,  were  earnestly  desirous  of  hearing 
him  engage  in  religious  conversation  ;  and  were  not 
a  little  djsaj^pointed  to  find  the  interview  at  an  end, 
without  his  having  introduced  it.  Many  a  precious 
opportunity  of  instructing  the  ignorant,  of  directing 
the  perplexed  and  inquiring,  and  of  comforting  the 
sorrowful,  has  been  thus  lost.  Guard  against  all  such 
omissions.  Never  allow  yourself  to  be  half  an  hour 
in  company,  even  with  the  most  perfect  strangers, 
without  endeavouring  to  ascertain  whether  any  of 
them  have  a  taste  for  serious  conversation.  There 
are  many  ways  of  ascertaining  this,  without  intrusion 


I  S3  LETTEHS    ON    CLERICAL    MANNERS. 

or  indelicacy.  A  cursory  remark,  or  an  apparently 
incidental  inquiry,  may,  and  probably  wiJl,  elicit 
enough  to  solve  your  doubt.  Many  a  precious  con- 
versation has  resulted  from  such  an  exploring  re- 
mark or  inquiry.  Like  the  discovery  of  a  refresh- 
ing spring  in  a  parched  and  dreary  wilderness,  not 
unfrequcntly  has  a  minister  of  the  gospel,  as  well  as 
a  private  christian,  met  with  a  spiritual  feast  himself, 
and  been  the  means  of  imparting  a  feast  to  others, 
wh^n  he  least  of  all  expected  such  a  pleasure  ;  when, 
perhaps,  he  was  ready  to  say  within  himself,  "  there 
is  no  fear  of  God  in  this  place." 

9.  Introducing  and  conducting  religious  conversa- 
tic>n  with'  persons  of  wealth,  and  high  station 
IN  SOCIETY,  is  a  peculiarly  important,  and  at  the 
same  time,  a  very  delicate  and  difficult  duty.  Pe- 
culiarly important,  because  any  good  impression 
made  on  them,  will  be  likely  to  extend  itself  more 
widely  ;  and  in  many  respects,  delicate  and  difficult, 
because  this  class  of  persons  are  more  in  the  habit 
of  being  approached  with  deference,  and,  for  various 
reasons,  more  apt  to  be  nice,  and  even  fastidious,  in 
their  feelings,  than  many  others.  At  the  same  time, 
1  have  no  doubt,  that  the  difficulties  of  this  duty  have 
been,  by  some,  greatly  overrated  ;  and  that  plain, 
good  sense,  with  a  heart  overflowing  with  piety  and 
benevolence,  will  be  found,  humanly  speaking,  safe 
and  adequate  guides,  in  all  ordinary  cases.  My  ad- 
vices on  this  point,  shall  be  short.  Never,  on  any 
account,  courts  or  affect  the  comjiany  of  the  weal- 
thy and  great.     Never  take  pains  to  be  much  with 


tETTERiS    ON    CLERICAL   MANNERS.  ISS 

fhem;  and  never  ^oa<s^  of  their  acquaintance.  When 
3  ou  are  providentially  thrown  in  their  way,  sacredly 
avoid  every  thing  that  approaches  to  a  supple,  syco- 
phantick  spirit  of  accommodation  to  their  errors  or 
vices.  Never  accost  them  with  that  timid,  embar- 
rassed diffidence,  which  may  lead  them  to  suppose 
that  you  have  more  veneration  for  them,  than  for 
your  duty  or  your  God.  At  the  same  time,  let  no- 
thing of  the  unmannerly,  the  sullen,  or  the  morose 
mark  your  deportment  toward  them.  An  old  divine 
was  accustomed  to  say,  "  Please  all  men  in  the  truth  ; 
but  wound  not  the  truth  to  please  any."  Let  them 
see  that  christian  duty  is  not  inconsistent  with  the 
most  perfect  politeness.  Introduce  pious  thoughts^ 
and  divine  truth  to  their  view,  in  a  gentle  and  some- 
times  in  an  indirect  manner;  and. let  them  see  that 
you  are  much  more  intent  on  doing  them  good,  than 
gaining  their  favour.  When  you  have  occasion  to 
oppose  them,  let  it  be  done  mildly  and  meekly,  but 
firmly ;  with  the  air  and  manner  of  one  who  dislikes 
to  oppose,  but  feels  constrained  to  "  obey  God  rather 
than  man."  In  a  word,  I  believe  that  a  minister  ol* 
the  gospel  never  appears  to  more  advantage  in  the 
view  of  those  who  are  considered  as  the  great  ones 
of  this  world,  and  is  never  likely  to  make  a  more 
deep  impression  upon  them,  than  when  he  makes 
them  to  feel — not  by  ostentation,  sanctimoniousness 
oraiisterity ;  not  even  by  importunately  soliciting  their 
attention  to  his  own  views  of  truth  and  duty — 
bat  by  exhibiting  meek  dec^f'ion  of  spiritual  charac- 
ter,— that  they  are  in  the  presence  of  a  man,  who 

M 


134  LETTERS   ON    CLERICAL   MANNERS. 

regards  the  authority  and  favour  of  God  above  all 
things,  and  whose  supreme  and  habitual  object  is 
to  promote  the  everlasting  welfare  of  his  fellow-men. 

10.  Never  imagine  that  it  is  your  duty  to  violate 
GOOD  MANNERS,  either  in  introducing  or  continuing 
religious  conversation.  This  is  never  proper,  be- 
cause never  necessary.  If  you  cannot  persuade  an 
individual,  by  a  mild  and  respectful  mode  of  address 
to  listen  to  you,  it  is  better  to  forbear.  An  attempt 
to  force  what  you  have  to  say,  on  one  who  stead- 
fastly or  profanely  resists  you,  is  "  casting  pearls  be- 
fore swine."  And  violating  the  respect  which  is  due 
to  any  person,  under  the  notion  of  promoting,  in  this 
way,  his  spiritual  interest,  is,  usually,  of  all  delusions, 
one  of  the  greatest.  If  you  watch  for  the  mollia 
iempora  fandiy  you  will  have  an  opportunity  of 
approaching  him,  if  he  be  accessible  at  all.  If  you 
wait,  with  a  proper  temper,  and  with  humble  prayer, 
for  a  door  to  be  opened  for  doing  him  good,  you  will^ 
probably,  not  wait  in  vain. 

11.  When  you  are  called  to  converse  with  per- 
sons UNDER  RELIGIOUS  IMPRESSIONS,  addrcss  your- 
self  to  the  duty  with  much  seriousness  and  prayer. 
Remember  that  what  you  say,  may  influence  their 
eternal  condition  ;  and  therefore,  that  every  word  is 
important ; — important  to  them,  to  yourself,  and  to 
the  church  of  God.  Remember,  too,  that  the  task 
of  instructing  and  guiding  those  who  are  "  asking  the 
way  to  Zioij,""  is  as  delicate  and  difficult  as  it  is  im- 
porlant.  It  requires  much  knowledge  of  the  human 
heart,  and  of  human  nature,  and  much  acquaintance 


LETTERS    ON    CLERICAL    MANNERS,  135 

with  the  Gospel  as  a  practical  system.  Study  to' 
qualify  yourself  for  this  interesting  and  momentous 
duty,  by  much  converse  with  your  own  heart ;  by 
much  intercourse  with  those  whose  ministry  God  has 
eminently  blessed  ;  by  reading  the  best  books  which 
tend  to  throw  light  on  christian  character  and  expe- 
rience ;  and,  above  all,  by  humble  importunate  pray- 
er for  that  wisdom  which  is  adapted  to  "  win  souls," 
and  to  "  guide  them  in  the  way  of  peace."  He  who 
allows  himself  to  enter  on  this  duty  without  much 
consideration,  and  humbly  looking  to  heaven  fop 
aid  ;  or  to  perform  it  in  a  slight  and  careless  manner, 
must  make  a  miserable  estimate  both  of  ministerial 
fidelity,  and  of  the  worth  of  immortal  souls. 

1 2.  Before  you  enter  on  the  duty  of  conversing 
with  any  one  on  this  most  important  of  all  subjects, 
endeavour,  if  possible,  to    learn    something  op 

THE    peculiar    CHARACTER    AND    TEMPERAMENT  OP 

THE  INDIVIDUAL.  Thcrc  are  peculiarities  of  this 
kind,  which  frequently  exert  an  immediate  and  im- 
portant  influence  on  religious  exercises.  Some  per- 
sons have  a  remarkably  sanguine  temperament,  and 
buoyant  animal  spirits,  which  are  apt  to  impart  ar- 
dour to  their  feelings  on  all  subjects,  and,  of  course, 
to  confer  on  their  religious  impressions  the  appear- 
ance of  more  decision  and  intensity  of  character  than 
they  really  possess.  Others  labour  under  a  consti- 
tutional depression  of  mind,  which  is  ever  disposed 
to  look  on  the  dark  side  of  things,  and  sometimes 
borders  on  melancholy  and  even  despondency ;  and 
which  always  prevents  them  from  doing  justice  to 


i36  LETTERS    ON   CI-ERICAL    MANNERS, 

the  evidence  in  their  own  favour :  while  a  third  class 
are  affected  with  some  bodily  disease,  which  not  un- 
frequently  benumbs  or  agitates  the  mind,  and  cre- 
ates no  small  difficulty  in  judging  of  its  real  state. 
Now  in  conversing  with  an  individual  who  is  anxious 
s-especting  his  eternal  interest,  it  is  of  great  impor- 
tance to  know  whether  be  is  under  the  special  in- 
fluence of  any  of  these  physical  difficulties,  or  tem- 
peramental predispositions.  For,  on  the  result  of  this 
inquiry,  the  course  to  be  pursued  must  be  in  some 
measure  modified.  The  undue  confidence  of  some 
ought  to  be  firmly  repressed ;  and  the  precipitancy 
of  others  restrained  or  cautioned.  The  backward- 
ness of  the  timid  should  be  stimulated,  and  the  trem- 
bling apprehensions  of  the  melancholy  and  despond- 
ing, if  possible,  removed,  by  affectionate  encourage^ 
ment.  The  wise  physician  of  the  body  is  always 
careful  to  inquire  about  the  presence  of  disturbing 
forces  in  the  mind,  and  prescribes  accordingly.  In 
like  manner,  the  wise  physician  of  the  soul  will  en- 
deavour to  explore  every  physical  idiosyncrasy  which 
distinguishes  the  spiritual  patient  to  whom  he  may 
be  called,  and  address  him  in  a  corresponding  man- 
ner. If  you  have  not  already  a  particular  acquaint- 
ance with  him,  make  such  inquiries  respecting  his 
habits,  life,  temperament,  and  other  pecuharities,  as 
may  put  you  in  possession  of  all  the  requisite  infor- 
mation. And  instead  of  making  your  conversation, 
if  such  it  may  be  called,  to  consist  chiefly,  of  con- 
tinued address  on  your  part ^  which  is  the  favour- 
ite manner  of  some ;  resort  much  more  to  the  plan 


LETTERS    ON    CLERICAL    MANNERS.  137 

of  affable  and  affectionate  interrogation,  which 
will  lead  the  individual,  at  every  step,  to  disclose 
the  state  of  his  own  mind,  and  thus  furnish  you  with 
some  of  the  best  indications  for  adapting  your  ad» 
dresses  to  his  case. 

13.  Be  careful   to  oive    clear   doctrinal   in^ 

STRUCT  ION    CONCERNING    THE    PLAN    OP     SALVATION" 

to  those  who  are  anxious  and  inquiring.  I  have 
observed  it  to  be  the  manner  of  some  in  conver- 
sing with  such  persons,  to  deal  chiefly  in  tender 
and  solemn  exhortation  ;  under  the  belief  that  the 
grand  object  aimed  at  ought  to  be  to  impress  the 
conscience  and  the  heart,  rather  than  to  impart  doc- 
trinal knowledge.  But  it  ought  to  be  remembered 
that  neither  the  conscience  nor  the  heart  can  ever  be 
suitably  impressed  but  through  the  medium  of 
truth.  It  is  only  so  far  as  Gospel  truth  is  appre- 
hended, that  any  genuine  scriptural  exercises  with 
regard  to  it  can  exist.  Carefully  study,  then,  to 
impart  to  every  anxious  mind  clear  views  of  the 
fundamental  doctrines  of  the  Gospel  Not  that,  in 
conversing  with  such  persons,  you  are  ever  to  per- 
plex them  with  the  me'aphysical  refinements  of 
theology,  which  ought  ever  to  be,  as  far  as  possible^ 
avoided.  But  the  course  which  I  deem  of  so  much 
importance  is,  that  you  constantly  endeavour  to 
fill  their  minds  with  plain,  simple,  connected  Bible- 
truth  ;  that  you  dwell  on  the  scriptural  character  of 
God  ;  the  nature  and  requisitions  of  his  holy  Law  ; 
the  pollution,  guilt  and  dangf.r  of  all  men  in  their 
natural  state ;  the  divinity  of  the  Saviour  ;  the  ef- 
M  2 


138  LETTERS   ON   CLERICAL   MANNERS. 

• 

iicacy  of  his  atoning  sacrifice;  the  unsearchable 
riches  and  freeness  of  his  grace  ;  the  work  of  the 
Holy  Spirit  in  regenerating  and  sanctifying  the 
heart ;  and  the  utter  helplessness,  and,  at  the  same 
time,  perfect  responsibility  and  blameworthiness  of 
man  : — Just  as  far  as  these  great  doctrines  are  fas- 
tened on  the  conscience,  and  impressed  on  the 
heart,  and  no  further,  may  we  hope  to  become  the 
instruments  of  saving  benefit  to  those  whom  we 
address. 

15,  Be  not  too  ready  to  speak  peace,  or  t© 
ADMIMSTER  CONSOLATION  to  thoso  who  are  in  a  se- 
rious, anxious  state  of  mind.  It  is,  undoubtedly^ 
painful  to  see  any  one  in  distress ;  and  the  spiritual 
physician  will  be  often  strongly  tempted  by  false 
benevolence,  to  encourage,  and  administer  comfort, 
'where  he  ought  not.  Beware  of  this.  It  is  in- 
finitely better  that  an  anxious  inquirer  after  salva- 
tion should  pass  a  few  more  weeks  or  months  in  a 
vState  of  deep  mental  solicitude,  and  even  anguish, 
than  that  he  should  be  prematurely  comforted,  and 
led  to  repose  in  a  false  hope,  from  which  he  may 
never  awake.  Be  not  afraid,  then,  to  be  perfectly 
faithful :  to  lay  open  every  wound  to  the  very  bot- 
tom, before  you  attempt  to  heal  it  Be  slow  in  ad- 
ministering comfort,  while  the  least  doubt  remains 
with  regard  to  the  real  state  of  the  individual.  In- 
deed I  have  often  thought  that  it  is  very  seldom 
proper  for  a  minister,  or  any  other  pious  man,  in 
conversing  with  an  anxious  person,  to  be  forward 
tQ  pronounce  a  favourable  judgment  with  respect 


LETTERS    ON    CLERICAL   MANNERS.  13f> 

to  his  state.  You  may  be  deceived  in  your  opinion, 
and  you  may  be  the  means  of  deceiving  him  fatally. 
It  is,  in  common,  much  safer  and  better  for  him  ta 
be  brought  to  a  favourable  conclusion  concerning 
himself,  by  that  heavenly  teaching,  which  cannot 
deceive  ;  and  which  though  sometimes  more  tardy 
in  exhibiting  its  results  than  earthly  wisdom  ex- 
pects and  desires,  always  furnislies  the  safest  and 
best  testimony. 

lf>.  Be  not  HASTY  in  tublishing  the  exercises 

OR    SITUATiON  OF    THOSE     WHOM    YOU    KXOW    T)    BE 

ANXIOUSLY  iNQU  RING.  It  is  deeply  painful  to  ob- 
serve thf?  frequency  and  iaj-.idiciousness  with  which 
this  rule  is  infringed  A  person,  perhaps,  has 
scarcely  become  conscious  ro  himself  of  deep  soli- 
citude respecting  his  spiritual  interest,  and  given 
a  hint  of  it  to  his  minister,  or  to  some  pious  friend, 
before  it  is  blazed  abroad  ;  becomes  matter  of  pub- 
lick  speculation ;  and  leads  a  number  of  persons 
immediately  to  crowd  around  him,  and  offer  their 
services  as  his  instructors  and  guides.  The  conse- 
quences  of  this  method  of  proceeding  are  often  ex- 
tremely unhappy.  Some  are  puffed  up,  by  becom- 
ing objects  of  so  much  unexpected  attention  and 
conversation.  Others  are  revolted,  and,  perhaps, 
deeply  disgusted,  at  being  addressed  by  so  many 
on  the  subject  of  their  exercises,  and  by  some,  it 
may  be,  very  injudiciously.  While  a  third  class, 
whose  impressions  are  slight  and  transient,  are  mor- 
tified at  being  held  up  to  view  as  awakened  p«;rsons, 
and   afterwards  lying  under  the  odium  of  having 


I»f0  LETTERS    01^    CLERICAL     MANlffERS. 

gone  back ;  and,  possibly,  in  some  cases,  so  much 
mortified,  as  to  withdraw  from  those  individuals 
and  opportunities,  which  might  have  been  essen- 
tially useftil.  Besides  all  this,,  it  has  often  happen- 
ed, that  the  number  of  serious  persons  who  have 
immediately  clustered  around  an  individual  thus 
publickly  announced  as  under  religious  impressions, 
has  been  so  great,  and  their  talents,  knowledge, 
experience,  and  capacity  for  giving  sound  instruc- 
tion so  extremely  various,  that  they  have  perplexed, 
confounded,  and  most  unhappily  retarded,  the  ob- 
ject of  their  well  meant  attention,  instead  of  really 
helping  him.  With  almost  as  much  propriety 
might  a  physician  of  the  body,  when  he  found  a 
patient  ill  of  a  dubious  disease,  throw  open  his 
apartment  to  every  intruder,  and  invite  every  me- 
dical practitioner  within  twenty  miles  of  him,  how- 
ever discordant  their  theories,  to  come  in  and  pre- 
scribe at  pleasui'e  for  the  sufferer. 

My  advice  i«,  that,  when  you  ascertain  that  any 
one  is  becoming  seriously  thoughtful  on  the  subject 
of  religion,  you  keep  it,  for  a  short  time,  to  your- 
self. Indeed,  that  you  thus  keep  the  fact,  until  his 
exercises  begin  to  assume  a  definite  shape  and  char- 
acter ;  being  careful,  in  the  m.eanwhile,  to  attend 
to  the  case  with  conscientious  diligence  yourself* 
When  you  judge  the  way  to  be  open,  communicate 
a  knowledge  of  the  situation  of  the  individual  to 
one  or  two  of  thase  persons,  in  whose  knowledge, 
piety  and  prudence  you  have  most  confidence,  and 
whom  you  know  to  have  the  peculiar  confidence  of 


LETTERS    ON    CLERICAL   MANNERS.  141 

the  individual  in  question.  The  case  of  the  spirit- 
ual seed,  is  a  little  like  that  of  the  natural.  When 
we  place  a  seed  in  the  ground,  we  allow  it  a  little 
time  to  vegetate  under  the  concealment  of  the  soil. 
He  who  should  go  every  few  hours  to  the  spot 
where  it  was  rleposited,  and  drag  it  forth,  in  order 
to  see  how  the  process  of  vegetation  was  going  on, 
would  be  considered  as  a  very  unwise  husbandman. 
So  he  who,  in  regard  to  seed  of  a  much  more  im- 
portant and  delicate  nature,  will  not  give  it  time  to 
shoot  and  grow  a  little,  before  it  is  forced  on  the 
publick  gaze,  acts  a  part,  I  must  think,  by  no  tueans 
adapted  to  promote  the  best  interests  either  of  the 
individual  immediately  concerned,  or  of  the  church. 
If  he  would  consent  to  tvait  a  sho7't  time,  the  view 
taken  would  probably  soon  be  found  much  more 
pleasant  and  edifying,  or  to  assume  a  character 
which  ought  not  to  be  made  publick  at  alL 

17.  Guard  against  cajj versing  too  much  at 
ONE  TIME,  with  those  who  are  under  serious  im- 
pressions. I  am  deeply  persuaded,  that,  in  many 
cases,  the  minds  of  such  persons,  in  consequence 
of  being  incessantly  plied  with  conversation,  even 
though  of  good  quality^  yet  from  its  excess  as  to 
quantity,  have  been  kept  in  a  state  of  agitation  and 
conflict,  longer  than  they  would  probably  otherwise 
have  been.  And  the  evil  has  been,  no  doubt,  in- 
creased, as  I  just  hinted,  when  a  number  of  indivi- 
duals, of  different  degrees  of  knowIedge,^  piety  and 
judgment,  have  undertaken  to  inculcate,  each  his 
peculiar  views,  on  the  persons  \i\  question,     I  arq 


142  LETTERS    ON    CLERICAL    MANNERS. 

confident  that  although  persons  in  this  deeply  in- 
teresting state  of  mind,  ought  to  be  frequently  in- 
structed and  exhorted,  by  competent  counsellors  ; 
yet  few  things  are  more  injurious  to  them  than  to 
be  annoyed  by  incessant,  common  place  conversa- 
tion. It  is  an  utter  mistake  to  suppose  that  they 
are  benefited  by  being  always  in  society,  even  of 
the  best  kind.  They  need  much  time  for  retire- 
ment, self-examination  and  prayer,  and  ought  to  be 
referred  much  to  the  Word  of  God,  and  the  teach- 
ing of  the  Holy  Spirit.  A  few  thoughts  at  a  time, 
from  a  pious  friend,  clear,  seasonable,  instructive, 
and  to  the  point,  will  be  most  likely  to  be  useful. 
After  receiving  these,  at  suitable  intervals,  they 
ought  to  be  left  much  in  their  closets,  with  their  Bi- 
bles and  their  God  ;  and  to  be  frequently  told  to 
look  rather  to  the  Saviour  than  to  man  for  help. 

18.  If,  after  becoming  a  pastor,  you  should  be 
so  happy  as  to  know  of  any  considerable  number 
of  individuals  in  your  congregation  who  are  begin- 
ning to  think  seriously  on  the  subject  of  religion,  it 
may  become  desirable  to  convene  thkm,  weekly, 
or  as  often  as  convenient,  for  the  subject  of  receiv- 
ing instruction  and  exhortation  together.  This 
practice  has  been  much  recommended  by  experience, 
and.  is  attended  with  several  very  important  advan- 
tages. It  enables  a  faithful  pastor  to  accomplish 
more  in  the  indispensable  duty  of  conversing  with 
the  serious  and  anxious,  in  a  single  afternoon,  or 
evening,  than  would  be  practicable  in  a  week,  in 
the  ordinary  method  of  visiting  from  house  to  house.- 


LETTERS  ON  CLERICAL  MANNERS.      14S 

The  appointment  of  such  a  meeting,  too,  may  in- 
duce many  persons  who  are  really  in  some  degree 
serious,  to  come  forward  and  put  themselves  in  the 
way  of  conversation  on  the  suhject  of  experimental 
religion,  who,  if  no  such  opportunity  were  present- 
ed, might  conceal  the  state  of  their  minds,  and  lose 
the  advantage  of  being  personally  and  pointedly 
addressed.  1  am  also  inclined  to  think  that  every 
pastor,  even  when  there  is  not  sufficient  attention 
excited  among  his  people  to  keep  up  such  a  weekly 
meeting  of  inquirers  as  I  have  described,  ought  to 
have  a  stated  time,  occurring  as  often,  at  least,  as 
once  a  fortnight,  and  distinctly  made  known  to  his 
people,  when  he  will  make  a  point  of  being  at 
home,  and  ready  to  attend  to  any,  whether  profes- 
sors of  religion  or  not,  who  may  wish  to  converse 
with  him  on  their  spiritual  state.  A  faithful  pastor 
will  rarely  pass  such  an  appomted  time  without 
some  visiters.  And  some  will  go,  perhaps,  and  be 
happily  led  to  the  Saviour,  who,  but  for  such  an 
appointment,  would,  humanly  speakins:,  have  lost 
their  serious  impressions,  and  hardened  themselves 
in  sin.  Who  does  not  know  that,  when  the  mind 
begins  to  be  exercised  on  the  subject  of  religion, 
the  merest  trifles  will,  in  some  cases,  serve  as  ex- 
cuses for  concealing  the  fact  ?  The  inquirer  will 
feel,  it  may  be,  that  he  ought  to  converse  with  his 
minister  ;  but  he  cannot  summon  resolution,  to  ven- 
ture on  the  interview.  He  fears,  perhaps,  that  he 
will  not  be  at  home  ;  or  that  he  will  have  cbmpany ; 
or  be  otherwise  engaged  ;  or  that  it  will  be  difficult 


l44  I.ETTERS   ON   CLERICAL   MANNERS. 

to  disclose  to  him  his  feelings.  The  consequence 
is  he  does  not  go;  and  his  seriousness,  after  a  short 
time,  wears  off.  But  if  he  knew  that  his  minister, 
on  a  certain  day, would  be  at  home;  that  he  would 
have  no  other  engagement ;  that  he  would  be  hoping 
and  desiring'  to  see  persons  in  his  state  of  mind  5 
and  that  his  very  appearance  at  the  house  of  his 
pastor  on  that  day  would  itself  disclose  the  object 
ofhisvisit,  and  furnish  an  introduction  to  a  free  con- 
versation ; — his  excuses  would  probably  all  vanish, 
and  he  would  avail  himself  of  the  precious  privi- 
lege. 

If  you  should  ever  make  such  an  appointment  as 
I  have  last  mentioned,  and  if,  on  the  recurrence  of 
the  day,  for  several  times,  }^u  should  have  no  visi- 
ters, be  not  discouraged.  Continue  the  appointment ; 
and  give  public  intimations,  from  time  to  time,  in 
the  manner  that  you  may  judge  most  suitable,  that 
it  is  made  in  vain.  No  one  can  tell  how  far  such 
intimations  may  serve  to  rouse  up  the  pious,  and 
excite  them  to  prayer  and  exertion. 

19.  Be  not  too  hasty  in  encouraging  those  of 
whose  seriousness  you  have  a  favourable  opinion 

TO      GO      FORWARD     AND     MAKE     A     PROFESSION      OF 

RKLiGioN.  This  is  undoubtedly  often  done  with 
very  undue  preopitation.  Persons  of  very  tender 
age,  and  others,  previously,  of  very  equivocal  char- 
acter, have  been,  literally,  hurried  to  the  Lord's 
table  in  less  than  a  week  after  the  commencement 
of  their  serious  thoughtfub'ess  ;  without  allowing 
'them   time  fully  to  **  count  the  cost  ;*'  and  before 


LETTERS    ON    CLERICAL     MANNERS.  145 

they  were  able  to  put  their  exercises  to  such  a  test 
as  might  be  satisfactory  to  th'^mselves  or  others. 
Hence  many  young  persons,  of  both  sexes, in  a  few 
months,  or  even  weeks,  aftermaking  this  solemn  pro- 
fession, have  found  themselves  unexpectedly  bereft 
of  all  comfortable  hope  ;  their  evidences  of  christian 
character  gone  ;  their  interest  in  the  s(jbject  in  a 
great  measure  lost ;  and  their  minds  filled  with  re- 
gret that  they  had  been  so  hasty.  It  was  now, 
however,  difficult  to  retreat,  and  their  whole  lives 
perhaps  have  been  spent  in  a  heartless,  and,  of 
course,  a  comfortless  profession. 

It  is  readily  granted  that  neither  scripture  nor 
reason  fix  any  precise  period,  during  which  candi- 
dates for  church  communion  are  bound  to  wait, 
in  order  to  put  the  stability  of  their  religious  char- 
acter to  the  test.  And  it  is  equally  evident,  that 
extraordinary  cases  ought  to  prescribe  rules  for 
themselves.  But,  in  general,  it  is  evident  that 
there  ought  to  be  a  few  months,  at  least,  of  serious 
and  prayerful  deliberation,  before  taking  a  step  so 
solemn,  so  momentous,  so  irrevocable  ;  a  step  like- 
ly to  be  followed  with  so  many  interesting  conse- 
quences to  those  who  take  it,  and  to  the  sacred  fa- 
mily with  which  they  propose  to  become  connected. 
Let  no  desire  to  see  the  rapid  multiplication  of  pro- 
fessors, ever  lead  you  to  depart  from  this  principle. 
I  have  more  than  once  repented  having  given  what 
afterwards  appeared  to  be  premature  encouragement 
to  come  to  a  sacramental  table  j  but  never  did  I  re- 

N 


14S  LETTERS    ON    CLERICAL    MANNERS. 

pent  advising  to  a  few  month's  deliberation  and  de- 
lay, when  the  preparation  was  doubtful. 

20.  In  conversinji;  on  the  subject  of  practical  re- 
ligion, especially  with  those  who  are  not  well  in- 
formed on  the  subject,  BE  sparikg  in  the  use  op 
THAT  TECHNICAL  LANGUAGE,  which  many  Con- 
tinually employ.  I  refer  to  a  number  of  phrases, 
of  standing  use  in  many  pious  circles,  which,  al- 
though the  meaning  intended  to  be  conveyed  by 
them  is  undoubtedly  correct  and  important,  are  yet 
so  remote  from  the  language  of  ordinary  social  in- 
tercourse, that  they  sound  strangely,  not  to  say  un- 
intelligibly, out  of  the  circles  to  which  I  allude. 
Many  pious  ministers  and  others  are  in  the  habit 
of  using  this  language  in  a  manner,  and  to  an  ex- 
tent, which  I  know  render  their  conversation  not 
a  little  revolting  to  those  who  are  unaccustomed  to 
it,  and  frequently  present  a  serious  obstacle  in  the 
way  of  their  acceptance  and  usefulness. 

As  it  is  desii  able  not  to  be  misunderstood  on  a 
subject  so  important,  I  think  it  proper  to  give  a  spe- 
cimen of  the  phrases  to  which  I  refer.  Thus  it  is 
by  no  means  uncommon  to  hear  it  stated,  that  '*a 
great  revival  has  broke?!  ouV^  in  such  a  place  ; — 
that  there  is  *^a  great  religious  stir^'  in  this  or 
that  congregation  ; — that  such  an  individual,  or  such 
a  number  of  individuals,  have  been  ''^struck  under 
coiwiction  ;" — that  a  particular  person  appears  to 
be  "  in  the  pangs  of  the  new  birth"— -that  a  per- 
son V  hose  anxiety  on  the  subject  of  religion  is  very 
great,  ''  has  been  roughly  handled,  but  is  likely 


LETTERS  ON  CLERICAL  MANNERS.       147 

to  he  brought  throicgh  ;" — that  such  another  "  has 
been  happily  brought  through  ;" — that  so  many, 
in  a  certain  place,  hiq^' brought  under  convict io7i,'^ 
and  so  many  *<  have  obtained  hopes, ''^  &c.  Now, 
although  I  am  confident  I  need  not  assure  you,  that 
I  am  a  warm  friend  to  revivals  of  religion  ;  although 
the  ideas  intended  to  be  expressed  by  the  phrases  in 
question,  are,  in  my  view,  perfectly  sound  and 
scriptural,  and  infinitely  momentous  ;  and  although 
any  one  who  is  capable  of  ridiculing  these  ideas, 
*<  knows  nothing  yet  as  he  ought  to  know  ;"  yet  I 
cannot  think  that  the  use  of  these  phrases,  especial- 
ly in  mixed  companies,  is  advisable.  My  objec- 
tions to  them  are  several.  Some  of  them  are,  in  a 
great  measure,  if  not  altogether,  unintelligible  to 
many  to  whom  they  are  addressed.  Others  are  de- 
rided as  vulgar  cant,  as  terms  expressive  of  the 
appearance  of  a  plague  or  pestilence,  rather  thaa 
of  a  rich  blessing,  and  which  rather  repel,  than  in- 
struct or  conciliate.  While  a  third  class  are  re- 
garded as  a  presumptuous  invasion  of  the  preroga- 
tive of  Him  who  alone  can  know  the  heart,  and  tell 
the  number  of  those  who  have  become  reconciled 
to  him.  Would  it  not  be  better  to  use  language 
which  all  seriously  disposed  persons  understand  and 
approve  ?  Would  it  not  be  quite  as  expressive,  and 
more  intelligible  to  many,  if  you  were  to  say,  that 
**  a  revival  has  commenced^'*  or  ^*  a  work  of  divine 
grace  appears  to  have  commenced,"  in  such  a  place : 
— that  a  particular  individual  is  "  under  serious  im- 
pressions^"— ^r  is  "deeply  anxious  on  the  subject 


148  LETTERS   ON   CLERICAL   MANNERS. 

of  religion," — or,  ^'appears  to  be  convinced  of  sin," 
or,  is  'Mn  great  distress  of  mind  ;" — that  "many- 
appear  to  be  awakened  from  a  state  of  carelessness, 
and  to  be  more  or  less  anxious,*' and  that  others  ''ap- 
pear, or  profess,  to  enjoy  the  comfort  of  gospel 
hope  ?" 

I  presume,  if  you  bad  occasion  to  interrogate  an 
intelhgent  stranger,  who  you,  had  reason  to  fear  was 
destitute  of  piety,  in  relation  to  the  state  of  his  mind, 
on  the  subject  of  religion,  you  would  hardly  think 
it  wise  to  begin  by  saying — "  Pray,  Sir,  are  you 
horyi  again  ?  or,  are  you  yet  carnal?''''  Yet,  why 
not,  as  both  the  principal  phrases  in  this  question, 
are  taken  from  the  Bible  ;  and  as  you  and  I  fully  be- 
lieve these  phrases  to  be  expressive  of  important 
reaHties  ?  Your  reason,  I  suppose,  for  not  thinking 
it  wise,  would  be,  that  this  language  is  very  imper- 
fectly, if  at  all,  understood  by  many  who  are  well 
informed  on  other  subjects ;  and  that  such  persons, 
because  they  have  frequently  heard  it  bandied  about 
by  the  ignorant  and  fanatical,  and  cannot  enter  into 
its  precious  meaning,  are  generally  revolted  by  it. 

I  am  far  from  agreeing  with  Mr.  Foster^  the  pious 
and  eloquent  English  Essayist,  in  his  proposal  to  dis- 
card what  he  calls,  the  "  theological  dialect," — the 
"technical  terms  of  evangelical  religion."  I  am 
afraid  that,  if  these  terms  were  dismissed,  the  things 
intended  by  them  would  soon  disappear  also.  1  do 
not  wish  a  single  Bible-phrase  to  be  banished  either 
from  the  pulpit  or  the  parlour.  Yet,  I  can  easily 
conceive  that  there  are  even  Bible-phrases,  which 


IrETTERS   ON   CLERICAL    MANNERS.  149 

may  be  advantageously  exchanged  for  others,  more 
familiar  to  those  who  are  ignorant  of  the  Bible,  and 
better  adapted,  until  they  become  enlightened,  to 
convey  spiritual  ideas  to  their  minds.  It  is,  evidently, 
on  this  principle  that  ministers,  every  sabbath,  in  the 
pulpit,  explain  Scripture,  by  using  more  common 
language,  and  that  which  is  better  understood,  to  ex- 
press its  heavenly  doctrines.  But  the  language  which 
I  advise  you  to  avoid,  is  not,  as  commonly  employ- 
ed^ Bible  language  at  all.  And  1  see  no  advan- 
tage, but  rather  the  contrary,  in  the  use  of  terms, 
against  which  many  are  strongly  prejudiced ;  and 
which  if  they  do  not  deserve  the  name  of  cant,  will 
certainly,  by  many,  be  considered  as  bearing  that 
character.  Let  your  general  rule  be,  in  conversing 
on  the  great  and  precious  subjects  of  revivals  of  re- 
ligion, and  christian  experience,  to  employ  terms 
which  are  warranted  by  Scripture,  and  the  most  en- 
lightened practical  writers,  and  adapted  to  make  the 
best  impression  on  those  whom  we  address. 

21.  Take  pains  to  prepare  yourself  for  con- 
ducting religious  conversation  in  an  easy  and  edify- 
ing manner.  For  this  purpose,  be  familiar  with  prac- 
tical books,  and  especially  with  the  lives  of  eminently 
pious  men.  Take  a  few  minutes  to  premeditate  be- 
fore you  expect  to  go  into  the  company  of  any  per- 
son or  persons  on  this  important  errand.  Adjust  in 
your  own  mind  topicks  and  thoughts  for  discourse, 
adapted  to  the  cases  of  those  whom  you  expect  to 
meet.  Study  some  variety  in  this  matter.  If  you 
go  over  the  same  common-place,  narrow  little  round 
N  2 


150  LETTERS    ON    CLERICAL    MANNERS. 

of  remark,  in  all  companies,  for  thirty  or  forty  years 
together,  y»u  will  soon  entirely  cease  to  interest  any 
one,  unless,  perhaps,  a  stranger,  who  happened  to 
hear  it  for  the  first  time.  Above  all,  let  every  at- 
tempt to  perform  the  service  in  question,  be  preced- 
ed by  humbly  asking  for  Divine  help.  Remember 
that  God  "  will  be  inquired  of"  to  grant  us  his  aid : 
and  that  "  He  will  not  give  his  glory  to  another." 
Remember  that  He  can  render  the  feeblest  sentence 
that  ever  escaped  the  lips  of  simple  piety,  richly  and 
eternally  beneficial :  while  the  most  able  and  well 
conducted  conversation,  if  administered  without  im- 
ploring a  blessing  upon  it,  may,  and  probably  will, 
prove  useless  to  all  concerned. 

22.  If  you  desire  to  gain  an  easy,  natural  and  at- 
tractive manner  of  introducing  and  maintaining  re- 
ligious conversation,  let  the  foundation  of  all  your 
efforts  at  improvement  in  this  respect,  be  laid  in 
THE  CULTURE  OF  THE  HEART.  Study  daily  to  grow 
in  VITAL  PIETY.  Perhaps  there  is  nothing  more  in- 
dispensable to  the  happy  discharge  of  the  duty  un- 
der consideration  than  that  the  heart  continually 
prompt  and  speak  ;  that  heart-felt  emotion  and  af- 
fection dictate  every  word,  and  tone,  and  look,  while 
engaged  in  addressing  a  fellow  creature  on  the  most 
important  of  all  subjects.  Truly,  without  active, 
fervent  love  to  God,  and  to  the  souls  of  men,  it  will 
be  vain  to  hope  for  the  attaiimient  of  this  happy  art, 
in  any  considerable  degree.  But  if  your  heart  ha- 
bitually glow  with  interest  in  this  subject ;  if  the 
"love  of  Christ  constrain  you  ;"  if  you  daily  cherish  a 


LETTERS    ON    CLERICAL    MANNERS.  151 

lender  concern  for  the  salvation  of  your  perishing 
fellow  mortals  ;  if  your  mind  be  constantly  teeming 
with  desires  and  plans  to  do  them  good  ;  then  reli- 
gious conversation  will  be  as  natural  as  to  breathe. 
Then  your  lips  will  be  opened  seasonably,  unaffect- 
edly, and  profitably  to  all  around  you.  Then,  in- 
stead of  being  at  a  loss  what  to  say ;  or  being  timid- 
ly backward  to  say  it ;  or  saying  it  in  an  embarrass- 
ed, awkward,  pompous,  or  unnatural  manner;  there 
will  be  a  simplicity,  a  touching  tenderness,  a  pene- 
trating skill,  a  native  gracefulness,  an  unction  in  your 
mode  of  conversing,  which  no  spurious  feelings  can 
successfully  imitate.  The  true  reason,  I  have  no 
doubt,  why  religious  conversation  is  so  often  what  it 
ought  not  to  be,  and  so  often  useless,  is  that  it  is  so 
seldom  the  offspring  of  that  unaffected,  warm,  spiritu- 
al feeling,  which  piety  of  an  elevated  character  alone 
can  give. 

23.  Finally;  it  will  be  a  stimulus  to  diligence,  and 
an  auxiliary  to  improvement,  in  the  precious  art  of 
religious  conversation,  if  you   daily  and   faithfully 

CALL  YOURSELF  TO  AN  ACCOUNT  TOR  THE  MANNER 
IN  WHICH  YOU  HAVE  PERFORMED  THIS  DUTY.   We 

stand  in  need  of  something  of  this  kind  to  quicken  us 
in  every  department  of  our  christian  work ;  and  in 
none  more  than  those  which  consist  in  frequently  re- 
curring details,  rather  than  in  single  great  acts.  Ne- 
ver retire  from  any  company,  then,  without  asking 
yourself,  "  What  have  I  said  for  the  honour  of  my 
Master,  and  for  promoting  the  everlasting  welfare  of 
those  with  whom  I  conversed  ?  What  was  the  tenour 


152  LETTERS   ON   CLERICAL   MANNERS. 

of  my  conversation  ?  What  opportunity  of  recom- 
mending religion  have  I  neglected  to  improve  ?  From 
what  motives  did  I  speak,  or  keep  silence  ?  In  what 
manner  did  I  converse  ?  With  gentleness,  modesty, 
humility,  and  yet  with  affectionate  fidelity ;  or  with 
harshness,  with  formality,  with  ostentation,  with  va- 
nity, and  from  a  desire  to  avoid  censure,  or  to  court 
popular  applause?"  Few  things,  I  believe,  w^ould 
have  a  more  powerful  tendency  to  promote  watchful- 
ness, dihgence,  and  unremitting  perseverance  in  this 
important  duty,  than  the  constant  inspection  and 
trial  of  ourselves  here  recommended. 


Z.STTER    VX. 


/  TAUGHT  YOU  PUBLICKLY,  AJ^D  FROM  HOUSE   TO  HOUSE, 

Acts  XX.  30. 


\^SITING. 


My  dear  young  Friend, 

MiNisTEKS  are  visiters  by  profession.  It  is  a 
large  and  essential  part  of  their  official  duty  to  teach 
and  exhort  "  from  house  to  house.'*  Of  course,  eve- 
ry thing  which  tends  to  give  this  part  of  their  work 
a  better  direction,  and  a  more  happy  influence,  is 
highly  important  to  them,  and  to  the  cause  of  reli- 
gion. Yet  1  have  been  constrained  seriously  to 
doubt,  whether  any  thing,  in  the  whole  circle  of 
ministerial  activity  is,  commonly,  less  appreciated, 
or  worse  managed.  Accordingly,  that  which  might 
be  made  a  most  powerful  instrument  for  conciliating 
the  good  will,  and  promoting,  in  various  ways,  the 
best  interests  of  those  who  are  committed  to  their 
charge,  many  ministers  are  too  apt,  from  indolence, 
or  want  of  skill,  so  to  conduct,  as  to  make  it  of  little 
value,  as  a  source  either  of  pleasure  or  profit.  Allow 
me,  then,  with  the  same  freedom  with  which  I  have 
otTered  you  my  counsel  on  other  subjects,  to  suggest 
a  few  thoughts  on  this.  My  own  experience  convin- 
ces me  that  there  is  need  of  such  suggestions,  and 


154  LETTERS    ON    CLERICAL    MANNERS. 

that  t^ey  may  often  do  much  good.  For,  although 
I  am  conscious  of  not  having  accomphshed,  while  I 
was  a  pastor,  all  that  I  might  and  ought  to  have  done, 
in  reference  to  this  part  of  my  duty  ;  yet,  if  I  had 
known  as  much,  at  the  commencement  of  my  minis- 
try, as  I  now  do,  of  its  importance,  and  of  the  means 
of  conducting  it,  I  should  have  pursued,  if  I  do  not 
deceive  myself^  a  very  different  course. 

I  shall  first  speak  of  those  visits  which  may  be 
called  Pastoral  ;  and  secondly  of  those  which  may 
be  styled  Social. 

I.  By  the  Pastoral  visits  of  a  clergyman,  I  mean, 
those  visits,  of  a  formal  character,  which  in  his  cleri- 
cal capacity,  he  pays  to  the  families  and  individuals 
under  his  pastoral  care.  Of  these  visits,  as  distin- 
guished from  others,  it  is  desirable  that  you  should 
have  just  and  appropriate  views*.  In  reference  to 
such  visits,  I  offer  the  following  advices. 

1.  My  first  advice  is,  that  you  by  no  means  ne- 
glect THEM  :  nay,  that  you  be  constant  and  diligent 
in  making  them.  If  you  desire  to  gain  the  love  and 
confidence  of  your  people ;  if  you  wish  to  instruct 
and  edify  them  in  a  great  variety  of  ways  which  the 
nature  of  pulpit  address  does  not  admit ;  if  you  deem 
it  important  to  be  well  acquainted  with  their  situa- 
tion, views,  feelings,  difficulties  and  wants  ;  then  vi- 
sit every  family  belonging  to  your  congregation  fre- 
quently, systematically,  and  faithfully.  I  say  fre- 
quently. How  often,  must,  of  course,  depend  on 
the  number  of  famihes  belonging  to  your  charge,  and 
on  the  number  of  your  avocations.     But  1  should 


LETTERS    ON    CLERICAL     MANNERS.  155 

say,  in  the  largest  congregation,  at  least  once  a  year ; 
in  one  of  medium  size,  at  least  twice ;  and,  in  all 
cases  in  which  it  is  practicable,  still  more  frequently. 
In  short,  the  oftener  the  better,  provided  your  visits 
be  conducted  in  a  proper  manner. 

2.  Attend  to  this  duty  systematically.  Do  not 
leave  it  to  the  caprice  or  the  convenience  of  the  mo- 
ment. If  you  do,  but  little  will  be  accompHshed. 
Company,  trifles,  languor,  procrastination,  and  a  host 
of  other  obstacles,  will  incessantly  stand  in  the  way 
of  performing  what  you  realJy  wish  and  resolve  to 
perform.  Have  your  fixed  days  in  the  week  for  vi- 
siting ;  and  address  yourself  to  it  with  the  same  fix- 
edness of  purpose,  and  the  same  inflexible  persever- 
ance, which  you  employ  in  preparation  for  the  pul- 
pit. In  most  situations,  a  pastor  may  visit,  on  an 
average,  from  twelve  to  fifteen,  or  twenty  families  in  a 
week  ;  and,  where  the  population  is  unusually  dense, 
even  more.  If  such  an  average,  or  any  thing  like  it, 
were  carried  through  a  year,  what  an  interesting  re- 
sult would  be  obtained  !  The  truth  is,  it  is  almost 
incredible  what  patient  industry  will  accomplish.  If 
any  imagine  that  this  is  a  drudgery  to  which  a  man 
of  active  mind  can  hardly  submit ;  and  that  the  time 
would  be  better  employed  in  enriching  and  polish- 
ing discourses  for  the  sacred  desk  ;  I  can  only  say, 
all  Scripture  is  against  them ;  all  experience  is 
against  them  ;  nay,  all  reason  is  against  them.  To 
say  nothing  of  other  considerations,  one  of  the  best 
auxiliaries  in  studying  sermons,  of  which  a  minister 
can  avail  himself,  is  an  intimate  and  deep  acquaint- 


IBS  LETTERS    ON    CLERICAL    MANNERS. 

ance  with  the  people  of  his  charge.  Rely  on  it,  he 
who  hopes  to  discharge  the  duties  of  the  pulpit, 
ably,  approprif^tely,  seasonably,  and  to  the  greatest 
advantage  of  his  flock,  without  being  nnuch  annong 
them,  entertains  a  hope  which  is  perfectly  unrea- 
sonable, and  will  certainly  be  disappointed. 

3.  Let  every  oflicial  visit  be  preceded  by  pray- 
er. If  we  believe  in  the  doctrine  of  a  particular 
Providence ;  if  we  believe  that  the  Lord  whom  we 
serve,  and  in  whose  name  we  go  forth,  has  all  hearts, 
and  all  events,  even  the  most  minute,  in  his  hands  ; 
is  it  not  manifest  that  we  ought  io  preface  every  at- 
tempt to  do  good  to  others,  by  humble,  importunate 
prayer,  that  both  they  and  we  may  be  so  enlighten- 
ed, influenced,  and  guided,  and  that  every  thing  may 
be  so  ordered,  as  that  our  effort  may  be  crowned 
with  a  blessing?  That  minister  who  does  not  dis- 
tinctly and  earnestly  ask  for  a  blessing  upon  all  his 
labours,  has  no  reason  to  expect  that  he  shall  re- 
ceive it. 

4.  With  a  rigorous  adherence  to  system  in  per- 
forming this  duty,  unite  habitual,  persevering 
FAITHFULXESS.  Let  it  be  your  study  in  the  fear  of 
God,  to  render  your  visit,  however  short,  as  useful 
(Is  possible  to  the  individual,  or  the  family  of  which 
it  is  the  object.  For  this  purpose,  consider,  before 
you  enter  their  dwelling,  their  situation,  their  charac- 
ter, their  circumstances,  their  temptations,  their 
wants :  and  look  up  to  the  Giver  of  all  grace  for 
wisdom  and  strength  to  perform  your  duty  aright. 
As  to  the  precise  manner  in  which  each  interview 


LETTERS    ON   CLERICAL   MANNERS.  157 

Jiiiall  be  conducted,  I  apprehend  that  no  uniform 
rule  can  be  laid  down,  which  will  suit  all  cases  equal- 
ly well.  I  would  only  say,  let  a  word  be  dropped 
in  season  to  young  and  old  ;  parents  and  children : 
masters  and  servants  ;  those  who  are  in  the  commu- 
nion of  the  church,  and  those  who  are  not.  In  short, 
let  no  time  be  voluntarily  lost  in  vain  conversation. 
Let  there  be  as  much  of  heavenly  wisdom,  of  solid 
instruction,  and  of  solemn  impressive  exhortation, 
as  you  can  possibly  crowd  into  the  time  allowed 
you  ;  and,  in  all  cases  in  which  circumstances  allow 
of  it,  close  with  prayer.  For  the  rest,  your  own 
piety  and  good  sense  must  direct. 

5.  In  attending  to  this  duty,  guard  against  a  form-= 

AL,  TASK-LIKE  MODE  OF  PEREORMING  IT.    FcW  things 

are  more  repulsive  than  to  see  a  man  going  from 
house  to  house,  running  over  a  round  of  common- 
place expressions,  however  pious  ;  not  from  feeling, 
but  from  habit ;  putting  on  a  constrained,  sanctimo- 
nious countenance,  and  in  a  measured  voice  and 
manner,  reciting,  not  what  the  company,  or  the  case 
before  him  demand  ;  but  what,  from  the  frequency  of 
its  repetition,  falls  most  readily  from  his  hps.  Never 
will  the  discharge  of  the  duty  in  question,  by  any  man, 
be  either  profitable  to  others,  or  pleasant  to  himself, 
unless,  with  a  feeling  sense  of  its  importance,  and  an 
anxious  concern  for  the  welfare  of  souls,  he  enters 
into  the  spirit  of  it,  and  applies  his  mind  to  each  case 
as  it  arises,  with  a  tender  interest.  The  physician 
of  the  body,  if  he  be  called  to  fifty  patients  in  a  day, 
examines  the  symptoms  of  each,  and  inquires  into  bis 
o 


158  LETTERS    ON    CLERICAL   MAXXERS. 

minutest  sensations,  with  the  most  scrupulous  exact- 
ness. If  he  fail  to  do  this,  his  practice  will  be  with- 
out success,  and  his  character  without  confidence. 
Let  the  physician  of  the  soul  be  at  least  as  vigilant, 
and  as  anxious  to  adapt  his  ministrations  to  each  par- 
ticular case.  Let  him  sit  down  with  aflfectionate 
simplicity  in  the  family  or  circle  which  he  wishes  to 
benefit ;  and,  without  erecting  any  of  the  barriers  of 
official  formality  between  himself  and  them,  endea- 
vour to  learn  the  real  character,  and  wants  of  each, 
and  to  have  "  a  word  in  season"  for  each.  An  aji- 
propriate  word.  A  word  uttered  with  a  counte- 
nance, tone  and  general  manner  expressive  of  that 
miafFected  pious  feeling,  and  deep  interest,  which 
ought  ever  to  mark  the  minister  of  our  meek  and 
benevolent  rehgion. 

6.  Be  careful  to  extend  the  visits  in  question  to 

THE    POOR    AS    WELL     AS     THE     RICH.        IS  av,     if   yoU 

make  any  difference,  let  it  be  in  favour  of  the  for- 
mer, rather  than  of  the  latter.  Your  Master  direct- 
ed special  attention  to  the  poor.  The  Gospel  is  pe- 
culiarly adapted  to  them.  And  they  are  more  apt 
to  receive  evangelical  attentions  with  gratitude  than 
the  rich.  Of  course,  the  probability  is,  that  you  will 
find  more  fruit  of  your  labour  among  the  poor.  And. 
you  may  rely  upon  it,  the  rich  themselves  will  never 
esteem  or  love  you  the  less,  for  observing  that  you 
pay  particular  attention  to  the  indigent  and  afflicted. 

7.  Study  to  make  your  visits  as  instructive  and 
INTERESTING  AS  POSSIBLE.  Many  cxcelleut  minis- 
ters manage  their  visits,  and  especially  those  in  which 


LETTERS    ON    CLERICAL    MANNERS.  159 

religion  makes  a  prominent  figure,  so  unskilfully, 
that  those  who  have  not  a  pious  taste,  and  more  par- 
ticularly the  younger  members  of  families,  not  un- 
frequently  dislike  to  see  them.  This  is  a  difficult)' 
which  it  is  certainly  worth  while  to  take  some  pains 
to  overcome  ;  and  I  know  of  no  way  of  overcoming 
it,  but  by  taking  care  that  your  deportment  be  con- 
ciliatory, and  attractive  to  all  classes  of  persons ;  and 
that  your  conversation  so  abound  in  instruction  and 
entertainment,  as  to  make  your  visits  more  welcome 
than  those  of  almost  any  other  person.  I  have  known 
some  ministers  who  had  this  happy  talent,  in  a  re- 
markable degree.  And"»i(;  is  far  more  within  the 
reach  of  a  man  of  ordinary  powers  of  mind  than 
would,  at  first  view,  be  imagined.  Never  go  to  a 
house,  without  having,  if  possible,  something  mte- 
resting  to  communicate  ;  an  appropriate  little  hook^ 
for  more  than  one  member  of  the  family  ;  an  instruc- 
tive, pomted  anecdote  to  repeal,  from  one  of  the 
periodicals  of  the  preceding  week ;  some  popular, 
precious  maxims  to  impress  on^the  minds  of  the 
children  and  youth  of  the  household  ;  or  a  notice  of 
some  recent  inihlication^  of  a  valuable  and  pleas- 
ing character.  The  truth  is,  were  ministers  as.  in- 
tent on  winning  the  hearts  of  all  the  domestick  cir- 
cles which  they  enter,  as  the  active  man  of  the  world 
is  to  promote  his  object  wherever  he  goes,  they 
would  enter  no  dwelling  without  being  received  witli 
that  smile  of  pleasure  which  indicates  the  most  re- 
spectful and  cordial  welcome. 

G.  In  all  your  visits  be  particularly  attentive 


160  LETTERS    ON    CLERICAL    MANi\'EE?, 

TO  CHILDREN  AND  YOUNG  PEOPLE.  This  is  implied 
in  the  preceding  particular ;  but  it  is  so  important 
as  to  demand  separate,  and  most  pointed  considera- 
tion. I  have  often  wondered  that  a  duty  so  obvious, 
and  recommended  by  so  many  considerations,  should 
be  so  much  overlooked  by  discerning  ministers. 

Can  any  thinking  man  fail  to  remember,  that  chil- 
dren are  the  hope  of  the  church  ?  That  enlightened 
attention  and  labour  bestowed  on  them,  is  more  like- 
ly, humanly  speaking,  to  be  productive  of  the  best 
fruits,  than  those  which  are  bestowed  upon  persons 
of  more  advanced  age  ?  That  impressions  made  in 
the  morning  of  life,  are  generally  among  the  most 
permanent  and  ultim.ately  beneficial  ?  That  instruc- 
tions then  given,  and  sentiments  then  imbibed,  though 
they  may  long  lie  dormant  in  the  mind,  often  rise 
into  life  and  fruitfulness,  when  he  who  gave  them  has 
gone  to  his  eternal  rest  ? 

Can  it  be  forgotten,  also,  that  all  experience  testi- 
fies the  importance  to  a  minister  himself,  of  paying 
particular  attention  to  the  Youth  of  his  charge  ?  It 
forms  a  bond  of  union  between  him  and  them  which 
time,  mstead  of  severing,  will  rather  strengthen. 
We  can  scarcely  conceive  of  a  richer  gratification  in 
this  life,  than  that  likely  to  be  enjoyed  by  a  faithful 
minister,  growing  old  in  his  work,  when  he  sees  ris- 
ing around  him  a  train  of  youthful  members,  whose 
parents  he  loved  and  edified ;  whom  he  baptized  and 
blessed ;  whom,  in  their  tender  years,  he  watched 
over,  catechized,  instructed,  entertained  and  encour- 
aged ;   and  who,  in  his  declining  age,  gather  round 


LETTERS    ON   CLERICAL    MANNERS.  161 

him,  and  honour  him  as  their  father  in  Christ.  O, 
if  ministers  could  fully  anticipate  the  sweetness  of 
this  reward,  a  regard  to  their  own  happiness  would 
unite  with  the  purest  benevolence,  in  impelling  them 
to  unwearied  care  in  watching  over  the  children  of 
their  charge,  and  in  embracing  every  opportunity  to 
enlighten  their  minds,  and  to  win  their  hearts  in  fa- 
vour of  all  that  is  good. 

Nor  is  this  all.  Assiduous  attentions  to  chil- 
dren, are  among  the  most  direct  and  sure  avenues  to 
the  hearts  of  parents.  It  often  happens,  indeed,  that 
parents  are  more  deeply  gratified,  by  kind  efforts  to 
promote  the  Avclfare  of  their  children,  and  are  more 
lastingly  thankful  for  them,  than  for  the  same  kind- 
ness bestowed  on  themselves.  Nay,  many  parents 
who  have  no  piety  themselves,  and  who  would  not, 
perhaps,  bp  willing  to  be  very  closely  questioned  on 
the  subject  in  reference  to  their  own  hearts,  w^ill  take 
it  well,  and  even  gratefully,  to  have  their  children 
carefully  instructed,  and  pointedly  questioned  on  the 
same  subject,  and  that  even  in  their  own  presence. 
And,  let  me  add,  that  very  striking  instances  have 
been  known  in  which  inquiries  and  exhortations 
addressed  to  children,  in  the  presence  of  their  pa- 
rents, have  been  to  all  appearance  blessed  in  the 
happiest  manner  to  the  benefit  of  those  parents  them- 
selves. Indeed,  I  have  sometimes  doubted  whether, 
in  many  cases,  ungodly  parents  might  not  be  most 
easily  and  successfully  approached  through  the  me- 
dium of  an  address  to  their  children,  conducted  in 
fheir  presence.  On  the  other  hand,  it  frequent) v 
0  2 


162  LETTERS   ON   CLERICAL   MANNERS. 

happens  that  children  will  lend  a  favourable  ear  to 
iheir  minister,  when  their  parents,  though  both  pious 
and  inteUigent,  have  addressed  them  in  vain. 

On  all  these  accounts,  then,  as  well  as  others 
which  might  be  mentioned,  you  ought,  in  all  your 
pastoral  visitation,  to  direct  the  most  pointed  regard 
to  the  children  and  young  people  of  every  family. 
Endeavour  to  gain  their  attention,  to  win  their  hearts, 
and  to  take  every  opportunity  of  putting  in  their 
way  these  notices,  hints,  books,  and  information  of 
every  valuable  kind,  which  may  tend  to  promote 
their  best  interest.  Give  them  striking  texts  of 
Scripture  to  commit  to  memory.  Reward  them, 
when  they  do  well,  v»dth  interesting  Tracts,  of  which 
every  minister  should  always  carry  with  him  a  small 
store.  Take  notice  of  them  when  you  meet  them 
in  the  street.  Call  them  by  their  names  with  paren- 
tal kindness.  And,  to  enable  you  to  do  this,  keep  a 
list,  as  far  as  you  can,  of  the  children  and  servants  of 
every  family  ;  make  a  business  of  keeping  up  your 
acquaintance  with  them  ;  and  of  recognizing  and  ad- 
dressing them  on  all  suitable  occasions.  There  is 
no  doubt  that  doing  this,  and  especially  doing  it  tho- 
roughly, will  require  no  httle  additional  labour.  But 
i  hardly  know  of  any  species  of  ministerial  labour 
more  pleasant  in  itself,  more  promising,  or  more  ge- 
nerally rewarded  by  the  richest  fruits. 

9.  What  I  have  incidentally  recommended  with 
respect  to  Children,  I  would  recommend  in  general, 
as  a  concomitant  of  all  your  pastoral  visitation  ;  viz. 
that  you  carefully  keep  a  rsEcoRD  or  persons 


LETTERS    ON    CLERICAL    MANNERS.  IGS 

AND    EVENTS,    TO    AID    YOUR   MEMORY.       Thc  IiameS, 

number,  character,  situation,  and  wants  of  many  fa- 
milies, would  utterly  pass  from  your  mind,  if  you 
did  not  secure  to  yourself  the  advantage  of  such  a 
systematick  series  of  memorandums,  as  I  have  pro- 
posed. In  this  record,  you  ought  to  insert  in  a  very 
brief  form,  not  only  information  as  to  the  points 
which  I  have  hinted  at,  ijiit  also  as  to  every  other 
point  important  for  a  pastor  to  know  concerning 
his  people.  The  fact  is,  that  the  habit  of  keeping 
such  a  record,  will  constrain  a  pastor  to  make  inqui- 
ries in  the  course  of  his  parochial  visits,  which  might 
not  otherwise  occur  to  his  recollection,  but  which 
ought  never  to  be  forgotten  by  one  wlio  is  entrusted 
with  the  care  of  souls ;  such  as, — What  members 
of  each  family  are  in  full  communion  with  the 
church  ?  Whether  any  who  are  not  communicants, 
cherish  a  hope  of  an  interest  in  the  Saviour  ?  Whe- 
ther any,  not  of  this  character,  are  under  serious 
impressions  ?  Whether  any  of  them  are  unbaptized  ? 
Whether  they  are  all  furnished  with  Bibles  ?  Whether 
(hey  are  all  able  to  read  ?  Whether  they  are  all 
punctual  in  going  to  the  house  of  God  ?  Whether 
they  make  conscience  of  secret  prayer  ?  Whether 
they  are  well  supphed  with  orthodox  and  pious 
books,  adapted  to  promote  their  instruction  and  edi- 
fication? &:c.  These,  and  various  other  matters, 
important  to  be  remembered,  ought  to  find  a  place 
in  the  record  recommended  ;  and  the  record,  in  or- 
der fully  to  answer  its  proper  purpose,  ought  to  be 
frequently  reviewed,  corrected,  and  modified,  as 


164  LETTERS    ON    CLERICAL    MANNERS. 

new  facts  arise ;  and  its  contents  ought  to  lead  to 
daily  and  importunate  prayer  for  Divine  direction 
in  attending  to  them  aright. 

10.  In  some  cases,  several  families  may  as- 
semble TOGETHER,  at  a  liousc  whcrc  you  havc  ap- 
pointed to  be  present.  This  may  bring  a  larger 
number  within  the  influence  of  the  same  visit, 
prayer  and  address  ;  and  it  may  tend  also  to  nou- 
rish affectionate  christian  feelings  between  the 
members  of  ttie  same  church.  This  is  a  plan  of 
visitin^i;  especially  convenient  for  young  ministers,  as 
it  will  enable  them  to  accomplish  more  of  this  part 
of  their  work  in  a  given  time,  and  enable  them  to  be 
more  in  their  studies.  There  are,  however,  some 
disadvantages  incurred  by  this  mode  of  conducting 
parochial  visits.  A  pastor  cannot  be  so  entirely  iin- 
reserved.  where  several  families  are  together,  as  he 
may  be  in  the  bosom  of  a  single  family  ;  nor  will  the 
persons  present  feel  so  perfectly  ix^^  in  their  commu- 
nications to  him.  The  greatest  advantage  will  be 
likely  to  result  from  the  adoption  of  this  plan,  when 
the  families  brought  together  are  not  only  acquainted, 
but  intimate  with  each  other. 

11.  In  paying  pastoral  visits,  it  is  very  desirable, 
in  many  cases,  to  be  accompanied  by  an  elder, 
and  sometimes  there  may  be  an  advantage  in  having 
with  you  more  than  one.  This  practice  tends  to 
make  the  Elders  of  the  church  better  known  to  the 
private  members ;  and  also,  at  the  same  time  to  ren- 
der the  Elders  themselves  better  informed  concern- 
ing the  state  of  the  church  over  which  they  are  call- 


LETTERS  ON  CLERICAL  MANNERS.      165 

cd  to  preside,  and  to  give  them  a  deeper  interest  in 
its  affairs.  There  can  be  no  doubt,  too,  that  the 
hands  of  a  minister  are,  in  many  cases,  strengthened 
by  the  presence  of  one  or  more  of  those  who  arc 
appointed  to  <'  bear  rule''  with  him  in  the  church. 
And  while  it  strengthens  his  hands,  it  is  certainly 
adapted  to  make  a  deeper  impression  on  the  minds 
of  those  who  are  thus  otficially  visited. 

But  I  am  persuaded,  that,  in  a  largenumber  of  ca- 
ses, it  is  better  for  a  Pastor  to  visit  alone.  Some  fami- 
lies, and  some  individuals  in  other  famihes,  can  be 
better  approached  without  the  presence  of  an  Elder. 
To  many  conversations,  which  have  for  their  object 
the  removal  of  offences,  it  is  essential  to  their  pros- 
pect of  success,  that  they  be  private  and  confidential. 
To  call  official  witnesses  to  witness  the  rebuke  and 
expostulation,  which  it  may  become  necessary  to  ad- 
minister, would  often  be  to  rouse  the  feelings  of 
wounded  pride,  and  to  harden  the  heart.  Many 
persons  have  bowed  with  penitence  and  thanks  to  an 
admonition  given  in  private,  who  would  probably 
have  received  with  rage,  if  not  with  violence,  the 
very  same  admonition  offered  in  pubiick,  or  before 
even  a  single  witness.  Of  the  proper  course  of  pro- 
ceeding, therefore,  in  reference  to  this  point,  the  con- 
scientious aud  prudent  minister  must  judge  in  each 
particular  case. 

12.  It  will  be  a  very  important  part  of  your  duty, 
when  you  become  a  minister,  to  visit  the  sick. 
Whether  you  are  called  to  act  as  a  Pastor  or  a  Mis- 
sionary, in  either  case  this  most  important  and  deli- 


166  LETTERS    ON    CLERICAL    MANNERS. 

cale  duty  will  frequently  devolve  upon  you.  Thai 
the  faculty  of  discharging  it  with  faithfulness,  and  at 
the  same  time  with  prudence  and  tenderness,  is  oi 
great  value,  is  too  evident  to  be  doubted.  Dr. 
Doddridge  somewhere  quotes  Augustine^  as  ex- 
pressing deep  wonder  and  regret,  that  ministers 
should  take  so  much  pains  to  prepare  their  sermons, 
and  bestow  so  little  apparent  thought  on  what  they 
say  to  sick  people,  and  on  the  best  methods  of  con- 
ducting their  visits.  He  who  does  not  feel  that  the 
task  of  administering  instruction  and  consolation  to 
the  sick  and  the  dying,  is  one  calculated  to  put  in 
requisition  all  the  wisdom,  piety,  benevolence,  and 
knowledge  of  human  nature  which  can  be  devoted 
to  it,  knows  but  little  either  of  nature  or  of  grace» 
It  is,  indeed,  an  office  of  awful  responsibility  to  un- 
dertake to  be,  if  I  may  so  express  it,  the  pilot  of  the 
soul,  in  passing  "  the  valley  of  the  shadow  of  death ;'' 
to  awaken  and  alarm  the  unprepared  ;  to  counsel  the 
perplexed  and  doubting;  to  calm  the  agitation  of  the 
timid  believer ;  and  to  pour  the  oil  of  consolation 
into  the  wounded  spirit. 

Be  always  ready  to  visit  the  sick.  Do  not  wail 
to  be  sent  for.  And  visit  them  as  frequently  as  your 
circumstances  will  admit.  If  they  be  numerous  at 
any  one  time,  keep  a  list  of  them,  that  none  may  be 
overlooked. 

Before  each  visit,  lift  a  word  of  prayer  to  the 
throne  of  grace,  that  you  may  be  directed  and  aided 
\\i  the  solemn  interview. 


LETTERS    ON   CLERICAL   MANr^ERg.  1G7 

Sometimes  the  relatives  of  the  sick  are  unwilline, 
ihat  they  should  be  seen  and  conversed  with  by  a 
clergyman.  It  is,  obviously,  no  part  of  his  duty  to 
force  his  way  into  a  patient's  chamber.  Yet  he  ought 
in  common  to  bear  testimony  against  a  repugnance 
at  once  so  heathenish  and  foolish. 

If  you  do  not  previously  know  the  character  of 
the  sick  person  whom  you  visit,  make  some  inquiries 
on  this  subject,  and  as  to  his  history,  and  opinions, 
and  the  state  of  his  mind.  But,  besides  this,  com- 
mence your  conversation  with  him,  (after  a  i<&yN  kind 
interrogatories  respecting  his  bodily  feelings,  &:c.) 
with  queries  and  suggestions,  which  may  tend  to  draw 
from  himself  the  degree  of  his  knowledge,  and  his 
views,  hopes,  &;c. 

Let  your  manner  of  address  by  the  bed-side  of 
the  sick  be  studiously  mild  and  tender.  Let  nothing 
be  said  calculated  to  jar  or  agitate,  excepting  what 
fidelity  to  the  soul  renders  necessary.  Be  plain,  sim- 
ple, and  studiously  faithful  in  your  exhibitions  of 
truth.  That  is  not  a  time  for  many  nice  distinctions, 
or  for  extended  reasoning.  Neither  is  it  a  time  for 
unfaithful  soothing,  or  for  saying  "peace,  peace, 
when  there  is  no  peace."  Where  there  is  evidently 
no  well  founded  hope,  guard  against  driving  to  des- 
pair; but  guard,  no  less  sacredly,  against  bolstering 
up  a  hope  which  will  be  likely  to  "make  ashamed." 
Let  your  conversations  and  visits  be  ^hort.  The 
effort  of  even  a  iQ,Yf  minutes,  in  speaking,  or  in  hs- 
tening  to  a  speaker,  is  often  very  oppressive  to  the 
sick.     Do  \\(^\.  ordinarily,  allow  yourself  to  be  seated 


ifiS  LETTERS    ON    CLERICAL     MANNERS. 

by  the  bed-side  of  one  who  is  really  ill,  longer  than 
a  quarter  of  an  hour  at  any  one  time,  uriess  the  case 
be  very  pecuUar,  or  you  have  very  conclusive  evi- 
dence that  your  presence  is  not  burdensome. 

Let  your  prayers  in  the  apartment  of  the  sick,  be 
tender, — sympathetick, — appropriate  from  begin- 
ning to  end, — shorty — and  as  much  calculated  as 
possible  to  fix,  calm,  and  enlighten  the  mind  of  the 
sufferer,  and  to  direct  his  meditations.  It  is  very  in- 
judicious to  make  prayers  in  a  sick  chamber,  as  they 
often  are,  pointless,  tedious,  general,  inapplicable  in 
the  greater  part  of  their  structure,  or  loud  and  harsh 
in  their  manner.  Many  topicks  proper  for  social 
prayer,  on  other  occasions,  ought  to  be  left  out  here  : 
and  every  tone  adapted  to  the  stillness  and  sympa- 
thy of  a  sick  chamber. 

In  many  cases,  it  is  desirable  to  converse  with  the 
sick  alone.  In  this  situation,  they  will  sometimes  be 
more  free  and  confidential  with  you  ;  and  you  will 
often  feel  at  liberty  to  converse  more  faithfully  and 
unreservedly  with  them.  But  every  thing  of  this 
kind  ought  to  be  avoided  in  those  cases  in  which  you 
might  be  exposed  to  the  charge  of  tamperiiig  with 
the  mind  of  the  patient,  in  reference  to  the  disposi- 
tion of  his  property,  or  with  regard  to  any  other 
worldly  or  delicate  concern. 

One  of  the  most  judicious  and  excellent  clergy- 
anen  that  I  ever  knew,  once  informed  me  that  he  was 
accustomed  to  make  a  point  of  visiting  the  Females 
of  his  congregation,  as  soon  as  propriety  admitted, 
after  the  births  of  their  children ;  and  that  he  gene- 


LETTERS    ON   CLERICAL    MANNERS.  1G9 

rally  found  them,  on  such  occasions,  m  a  state  of 
greater  tenderness  of  moral  feeling,  more  ready  to 
listen  to  serious  remarks,  and  more  deeply  sensible 
of  parental  responsibility,  than  usual. 

Not  only  continue  to  visit  the  sick,  as  far  as  you 
may  be  able,  during  the  whole  cpurse  of  their  con- 
linement;  but  if  they  recover,  continue  to  visit 
THEM  WHILE  CONVALESCENT,  and-aftcrwards.  This 
may  be  the  happy  means  of  fastening  on  their  ftiinds 
serious  impressions  which  might  otherwise  have  va- 
nished with  their  disease.  If  they  die,  visit  their 
surviving  relatives,  with  respectful  attention,  more 
than  once  afterward.  The  occasion  may  prove  a  fa- 
vourable one  for  promoting  their  spiritual  interest. 

13.  Be  very  attentive  in  visiting  families,  which, 
by  the  loss  of  friends  or  property,  or  by  any  other 
dispensation  of  Providence,  are  in  depressed  cir- 
cumstances. Such  families  are  very  apt  to  be  ne- 
glected by  their  former  acquaintances  ;  and  they  are 
no  less  apt  to  be  very  sensitive  to  such  neglect,  and 
deeply  wounded  by  it.  Instead  of  diminishing  the 
frequency  of  your  visits  to  families  in  this  situation, 
rather  increase  it.  And  be  especially  careful  to 
improve  the  opportunity  which  visits  in  such  cases 
afford  to  recommend  religion.  The  minds  of  men 
are  seldom  more  open  to  religious  impressions, 
than  when  humbled  and  softened  by  calamity. 

II.  But  besides  visits  which  are  strictly  official 
in  their  character,  and  in  which  ministers  ought  to 
abound  ;  they  will  often  find  it  advantageous,  and 
indeed  necessary,  to  pay  some  which  are  merely 


170  LETTERS   ON   CLERICAL   MANNERS. 

SOCIAL,  AND  FRIENDLY.  Let  tliesG  by  no  means 
be  neglected.  Their  uses  are  more  numerous  and 
valuable  than  can  be  recited  in  a  short  compass. 
)fet  in  reference  to  them  also,  there  are  some  cau- 
tions and  counsels  which  are  worthy  of  your  no- 
tice. **     • 

1.  And,  in  the  first  place,  let  even  your  shortesi: 
social  visits  be  made  w^ith  prayer.  One  of  the 
most  eminent  private  christians  I  ever  knew,  I  had 
good  reason  to  believe,  never  went  out  to  make 
the  slightest  call  on  a  friend,  without  spending,  at 
least  a  minute  or  two,  in  prayer  for  a  blessing  on 
the  visit.  And  why  is  not  this  always  proper  ? 
He  who  controls  and  directs  all  things  may,  for 
aught  we  know,  make  the  most  common  visit,  from 
which  we  expected  no  special  result,  productive 
of  rich  and  permanent  blessings,  either  to  ourselves 
or  to  others.  And  is  it  not  worth  while  to  ask  for 
such  a  blessing  ?  To  do  this,,  in  all  cases,  will,  I 
know,  by  some,  be  accounted  drudgery  ;  but  it  will 
not  be  so  regarded  by  the  spiritual  man. 

2.  Do  not  make  your  social  visits  so  numerous 
as  to  interfere  with  those  which  are  more 
IMPORTANT.  Pastoral  visits  are,  in  general,  far 
more  useful,  and  ought  to  occupy  a  large  portion  of 
the  time  which  a  minister  can  spare  from  his  other 
official  avocations.  It  would  be  unhappy,  there- 
fore, to  allow  mere  social  calls,  to  be  so  multiplied 
as  materially  to  interfere  with  those  of  a  more  se- 
rious and  valuable  kind,  and  especially  to  shut  them 
out  altogether.     Let  the  latter,   then;  be  the  main 


LETTERS    ON    CLERICAL    MANNERS.  171 

objects  of  your  attention  ;  but,  at  the  same  time, 
embrace  every  opportunity  which  the  occurrences 
of  each  day  may  afford,  to  ''  drop  in'^  at  the  house 
of  one  and  another  of  your  parishioners,  if  it  be  only 
for  five  minutes,  for  the  purpose  of  mutual  saluta- 
tions and  friendly  inquiries.  Visits  of  this  transient 
and  unceremonious  kind  may  often  be  paid,  when 
there  is  no  time  for  those  of  a  more  formal  and  ex- 
tended character;  and  they  are  adapted  in  various 
ways  to  attach  your  people  to  your  persons,  and  to 
extend  your  influence  among  them.  They  will  be 
apt  to  consider  your  pastoral  visits  as  an  official 
matter  ;  but  your  social  calls,  as  a  more  immediate 
expression  of  friendly  feeling,  and,  therefore,  in 
this  respect,  peculiarly  gratifying.  If  you  could 
possibly  find  time  enough  to  pay  one  pastoral,  and 
one  social  visit,  every  year,  to  each  family  in  your 
congregation,  you  would  execute  a  plan  approaching 
as  nearly  to  what  appears  to  me  desirable  in  this  re- 
spect, as  one  minister  in  a  hundred  is  likely  to  ac- 
complish. Where  a  congregation  is  large  and  scat- 
tered, even  this  is  beyond  the  power  of  many  min- 
isters. 

3.  Do  not  make  your  social  calls  too  frequent 
IN  PARTICULAR  FAMILIES.  Nothing  is  more  com- 
mon than  for  ministers  to  select  a  iQw  families  in 
their  respective  charges,  the  society  of  which  they 
find  peculiarly  agreeable,  and  in  which,  on  this  ac- 
count, they  visit  very  frequently.  They  are  seen, 
perhaps,  going  to  those  houses  ten  or  a  dozen  times, 
where  they  go  to  others  once.     This  is  not,  in  com- 


172  LETTERS    ON    CLERICAL    MANNERS'. 

mon,  judicious.  For,  although  ministers,  like  other 
men,  will  have,  and  ought  to  be  allowed  to  have; 
their  particular,  friends  ;  yet,  to  a  certain  extent, 
they  ought  to  deny  themselves  the  gratification  of 
this  feeling,  for  the  sake  of  promoting  their  useful- 
ness among  all  classes  of  those  committed  to  their 
care.  And  this  remark  will  apply  the  more  strong- 
ly, if  the  particular  friends  in  question  happen  to 
be  among  the  most  wealthy  and  polished  of  their 
congregation.  It  has  au  ill  aspect,  which  no  pre- 
ference or  explanation  can  fully  remove,  when  min- 
isters are  found  every  week,  or  oftener,  in  the 
houses  of  such  individuals,  while,  perhaps,  for  a 
year  together,  they  are  not  found  in  the  dwellings 
of  many  others,  equally  worthy,  and,  perhaps,  far 
more  devoted  to  the  cause  of  Christ.  But  there  is 
another  consideration  w^orthy  of  notice  here.  By 
visiting  very  frequently  in  particular  families,  rely 
on  it,  you  will  not  raise  yourself  in  the  estimation 
even  of  those  families  themselves,  but  rather  the 
reverse.  There  is  such  a  thing  as  rendering  your 
visits  cheap  by  too  frequent  repetition.  However 
they  may  love  your  company,  they  will  venerate 
you  the  more,  as  a  gospel  minister,  for  seeing  you 
withdrawing  your  attention,  in  part,from  themselves, 
to  bestow  it  on  others,  especially  on  the  poor,  the 
afHicted,  and  the  friendless.  Besides,  when  a  cler- 
gyman is  seen  lounging  about  almost  daily,  in  par- 
ticular families,  it  cannot  fail  of  being  considered 
as  ominous  of  neglect  in  his  study,  as  well  as  in 
other  departments  of  official  duty.     Indeed,  I  hold 


LETTERS   ON    CLERICAL   MANNERS.  173 

it  to  be  disreputable  for  a  clergyman,  at  any  time, 
and  in  any  families,  to  be  in  the  habit  of  making 
long  and  lounging  visits.  They  exhibit  him  as  an 
idle  man  ; — a  miserable  character  for  one  who  has 
been  set  to  "watch  for  souls  as  he  who  must  give 
an  account.'^ 

4.  While  you  indulge,  in  a  moderate^  and  well- 
regulated  manner y  the  feelings  and  habits  of  pri- 
vate friendship  among  the  people  of  your  charge, 
let  it  be  manifest  that,  even  in  your  social  visits, 
you  are  quite  as  able  to  find  the  hovel  op 
THE  poorest  and  MEANEST,  as  the  mansion  of 
the  most  wealthy.  And  if  you  make  a  social  call 
at  the  latter  more  frequently  than  at  the  former,  let 
it  be  seen  that  your  object  is,  not  to  solicit  favours 
for  yourself^  but  to  obtain  aid  for  the  indigent,  the 
sick,  and  the  forsaken.  It  has  an  ill  aspect  indeed, 
when  a  minister  of  the  gospel  is  found  begging  for 
his  own  emolument,  or  even  indirectly  endeavour- 
ing to  attract  presents  to  himself;  but  it  is  an  hon- 
our rather  than  a  discredit  to  him,  when  he  often 
appears  as  a  beggar  for  others  ;  as  the  advocate  of 
the  poor,  the  almoner  of  the  widow  and  the  or- 
phan. 

5.  The  LENGTH  OF  YOUR  VISITS  is  a  point  well 
worthy  of  notice.  It  may  be  readily  granted,  in- 
deed, that  in  reference  to  this  point  no  rules  either 
absolute  or  universal  can  be  laid  down.  Long  and 
short  are  relative  terms  ;  and  are  often  understood 
very  differently  in  the  country,  and  in  large  towns. 
But  this  is  one  of  the  cases,  in  which  it  is  better  to 
p  2 


174  LETTERS    ON    CLERICAL    MANNERS'. 

err  on  the  side  of  excessive  brevity  than  excessive 
length.  It  appears  to  me,  then,  that,  on  ordinar)^ 
occasions,  instead  of  spending  four  or  five  hours  in 
one  visit,  it  is  preferable  to  divide  that  time  into 
four,  five,  or  even  more  visits,  especially  if  they 
be  merely  of  the  social  kind  ; — and  in  populous 
places,  several  visits  of  the  social  kind,  may  be 
easily  despatched  within  an  hour.  Here,  as  in 
preaching,  it  is  better  to  rise  and  take  your  leave, 
while  all  are  interested,  and  wishing  you  to  stay 
longer,  than  to  hang  on  until  conversation  flags ; 
until  some  members  of  the  circle  become  impatient 
at  their  detention ;  and,  perhaps,,  all  begin  to  wish 
you  gone. 

Nor  ought  you  to  suppose  that  this  is  a  matter 
which  will  claim  your  attention  only  by  and  by,  when 
you  become  a  minister.  It  is  worthy  of  your  atten- 
tion now.  Wliile  you  are  a  student,  you  should  aim 
io  form  such  habits,  in  reference  to  this,  as  well  as 
other  subjects,  as  will  be  suitable  to  go  with  you 
through  life.  Let  me  say,  then,  that  now,  and  at  ail 
times,  if  you  wish  your  visits  to  be  welcome,  make 
THEM  SHORT.  He  wlio  sits  sevcral  hours  in  a  single 
visit,  ought  not  only  to  be  very  much  at  leisure  him- 
self;  but  he  ought  also  to  be  very  sure  that  those 
whose  time  he  is  occupying,  have  nothing  to  do. 
Young  and  inexperienced  persons  are  apt  to  feel  as 
if  they  were  the  only  visiters  in  the  circles  to  which 
they  resort.  They  forget  to  calculate  what  the  con- 
sequence must  be  to  the  order  and  employments  go- 
ing on  in  those  circles.  respectivehVAvheu  perhaps. 


LETTERS    ON    CLERICAL"  MANXERS.  17^ 

the  same  encroachments  on  their  time  are  made  by 
other  visiters  five  or  six  times  every  week.  More 
than  this.  Endeavour  early  to  learn  the  art  of  dis- 
covering, by  the  appearance  of  things,  at  a  glance, 
whether  the  members  of  the  family  in  which  you  vi- 
sit, are  at  leisure  to  attend  upon  you,  or  very  busy, 
and  desirous  of  being  occupied.  If  you  have  reason 
to  suppose  that  the  latter  is  the  case  ;  if  you  know 
that  they  have  been  called  from  some  urgent  em- 
plo}  ment  to  receive  you  ;  or,  if  you  perceive,  that, 
by  coming  in,  you  have  interfered  with  a  projected 
walk  or  ride,  it  is  always  better  immediately  to  with- 
draw. 

Let  this  principle  mare  especially  guide  you  in 
your  visits  abroad,  as  well  as  at  home,  to  clergy- 
men, and  other  professional  men,  who,  from  their 
occupying  publick  stations,  are  less  masters  of  their 
own  time  than  most  others  ;  and  more  incommoded, 
of  course,  by  frequent  and  tedious  intrusions  on  their 
time.  There  is,  indeed,  an  old  French  proverb, 
which  says,  "  that  it  is  never  any  interruption  for 
one  literary  man  to  visit  another."  1  protest  against 
the  unqualified  application  of  this  proverb,  as  a 
dreadful  nuisance.  Lord  Bacon  was  accustomed, 
with  emphasis,  to  say,  "  Temporis  fures  mnici.'^ 
Cotton  Mather^  and  after  him  Dr.  Watts,  caused 
lo  be  inscribed  in  large  letters  over  his  study  door, 
these  words,  "Be  short."  When  an  acquaintance, 
who  was  rather  prone  to  be  tedious,  called  once  on 
the  venerable  Dr.  Doddridge,  and  said,  after  seating 
himself.  "  I  hope,  Sir,  I  do  not  interrupt  you," — that 


176  LETTERS   ON   CLERICAL   MANNERS, 

excellent  and  laborious  Divine  replied,  with  charac= 
teristick  frankness,  "  To  he  sure  you  do.''''  Clergy- 
men, if  tliose  of  no  other  station  do  so,  ought  to  sym- 
pathize with  one  another  on  this  point.  And,  I  will 
add,  if  no  others  venture  to  adopt  so  candid  a  prac- 
tice, they  ought  to  learn  and  adopt  the  important 
art  of  hinting  when  they  are  particularly  busy,  and 
thus  abridguig  interviews  which  are  not  likely  to  be 
very  useful.  This  appears  to  me  a  matter  in  which 
Ihe  conscience  of  a  good  man  must  be  deeply  en- 
gaged. He  whose  time  is  much  occupied  in  visiting 
the  sick  and  the  dying,  in  instructing  the  ignorant, 
counselling  the  anxious,  and  preparing  for  the  pulpit 
those  discourses  with  which  the  welfare  of  multitudes 
may  be  connected ; — surely  cannot  feel  at  liberty 
frequently  to  waste,  or  to  allow  others  to  waste  for 
him,  hours,  or  even  moments,  in  the  mere  chit-chat 
of  ceremonious  visits. 

A  strict  attention  to  this  point  will  be  of  great  im- 
portance to  you  during  your  connexion  with  the  The- 
ological Seminary.  Where  a  hundred  young  men 
are  assembled  for  the  purpose  of  Biblical  and  Theo- 
logical study,  the  greater  part  of  them  under  the 
same  roof,  if  there  be  any  intercourse  between  them 
at  all,  the  utmost  vigilance,  on  all  hands,  will  be  re- 
quisite to  prevent  it  from  degenerating  into  an  incon- 
venience, and  a  burden.  Those  who  are  not  habit- 
ual and  systematick  students  themselves,  can  hardly 
ever  be  made  to  appreciate  the  importance  of  allow- 
ing others  to  be  so.  Hence  no  small  portion  of  their 
time  is  spent  in  unnecessary,  and  often  perfectly  use- 


LETTERS   ON   CLERICAL  MANNERS.  17? 

icss,  calls  at  the  rooms  of  others ;  thus  committing 
the  double  sin,  of  squandering  their  own  time,  and 
encroaching  on  that  of  their  neighbours,  which,  but 
for  them,  might  be  very  profitably  spent. 

Set  yourself  mildly  and  dehcately,  but  firmly,  in 
opposition  to  these  encroachments.  Cause  it  to  be 
distinctly  understood,  that  you  wish  to  enjoy  certain 
definite  hours  for  unbroken  study ;  and  if  there  be 
any  with  whom  this  understanding  is  not  sufficient, 
I  would  deliberately  advise  that  you  lock  your  door^ 
and  utterly  disregard  all  knocks,  until  the  portion  of 
time  devoted  to  study  shall  have  closed.  Nor  ought 
any  to  complain  of  your  resorting  to  such  means. 
You  may  thereby  incommode  or  disappoint  an  in- 
dividual now  and  then  ;  but  the  sum  of  evil  will  be 
greatly  diminished. 

6.  Be  careful,  in  visiting  in  private  families,  not 

TO     MAKE    YOUR     CALLS     AT     UNSEASONABLE     HOURS. 

The  law  of  custom  has  proscribed  certain  hours  for 
visiting  as  unseasonable  ;  and  the  law  of  domestick 
convenience  entirely  coincides  with  that  of  custom. 
In  all  well  regulated  families,  there  are  certain  hours 
set  apart  for  particular  family  duties  and  arrange- 
ments. To  these  objects  are  commonly  devoted 
three  or  four  hours  immediately  following  breakfast, 
and  the  same  number  immediately  following  dinner. 
To  call,  during. these  hours,  (I  refer  now  to  populous 
towns,  rather  than  to  retired  country  places,)  espe- 
cially on  the  female  meniibrs  of  a  family,  is  general- 
ly agreed,  by  a  sort  of  conventional  understanding, 
to  be  an  impropriety,  unless  in  special  cases,  or 


178  LETTERS   OX   CLERICAL   MANNERS. 

among  intimate  friends.  This  is  so  extensive!) 
known,  that  it  might  seem  unnecessary  to  mention 
it,  did  not  some  liberally  educated  young  men,  as 
well  as  others,  so  frequently  appear  to  lose  sight  ot 
it.  Make  the  case  your  own.  Suppose  any  one  to 
call  on  your  family  at  three  o'clock  in  the  afternoon, 
and  to  sit  until  nine  or  ten  in  the  evening,  and  to  re- 
quire all  this  time  to  be  attended  by  one  or  more  in- 
dividuals of  the  family  circle  ; — what  would  be  the 
consequence  ?  You  have  only  to  imagine  calls  of 
this  kind  made  frequently,  and  to  what  pass  would 
domestick  order  and  arrangements  be  brought  ?  It 
would  be  utterly  wrong,  indeed,  on  the  one  hand,  to 
apply  a  principle  of  this  kind  so  rigidly  as  to  pre- 
clude the  performance  of  an  obvious  duty.  But,  on 
the  other  hand,  it  would  be,  to  say  the  least,  quite 
as  improper  to  subject  a  family,  from  time  to  time, 
to  a  very  grea.t  inconvenience,  for  the  purpose  of 
averting  from  yourself  a  small  one.  Endeavour  then, 
as  far  as  possible,  to  make  your  calls  at  those  seasons 
which  are  commonly  set  apart,  in  orderly  families, 
to  social  purposes  ;  by  which  all  understand  to  be 
meant  the  latter  part  of  the  forenoon,  and  the  eve- 
ning. You  will  be  at  such  seasons,  a  far  more  wel- 
come visitant,  and  your  visits  will,  of  course,  be 
much  more  likely  to  be  pleasant  to  yourself,  and 
useful  to  others. 

7.  If  your  lot  should  be  cast  in  a  populous  town, 
3'ou  will  have  frequent  limitations  to  attend  dining 
PARTIES.  In  some  large  cities  invitations  of  this 
kind  are  received,  if  not  for  every  day,  at  least  seve- 


LETTERS   ON   CLERICAL   MANNERS.  170 

lal  times  in  each  week.  Let  me  advise  you  to  be 
very  sparing  in  your  attendance  on  such  parties. 
The  tendency  of  frequent  luxurious  feasting  is,  to 
injure  the  health  ;  to  dissipate  the  mind  ;  to  indis- 
pose for  theological  study ;  to  undermine  all  spirit- 
uality ;  to  lower  the  tone  of  ministerial  lidelity  and 
influence ;  and  in  various  ways  to  ensnare  those 
who  indulge  in  it.  I  have  seldom  known  any 
minister  who  abounded  in  this  practice,  without  in- 
curring serious  disadvantage  in  consequence  of  it ; 
and  in  some  cases  the  results  have  been  of  the  most 
deplorable  kind.  If  I  were  to  lay  down  a  rule  on 
this  subject,  I  would  say,  however  numerous  the  in- 
vitations which  you  may  receive,  never  as  a  habit, 
accept  of  more  than  one  in  a  fortnight^  or  even 
thi'ee  iveeks.  By  this  means  your  health  will  be  bet- 
ter;— your  head  clearer; — your  feelings  more  in 
harmony  with  your  profession  ;  and  the  impression 
left  on  the  minds  of  those  who  invite  you,  more  re^ 
spectful  and  salutary. 

S.  Be  careful,  also,  that  your  conversation 
•\XD  DEPorvTMENT  AT  DixiNG  PARTIES,  be  cxempla- 
ry,  and  even  edifying.  It  would  be  on. many  occa- 
sions,  indeed,  quite  unseasonable  to  make  at  the  din= 
ner  table  a  formal  address  on  any  point  of  theology 
or  of  practical  religion.  How  far,  or  in  what  cases, 
the  subject  may  be  directly  introduced  at  all,  where 
the  company  is  mixed,  must  be  decided  by  good 
sense,  and  a  knowledge  of  the  world,  under  the 
guidance  of  a  prevailing  taste  for  spiritual  things. 
i  have  known  quite  as  much  mischief  arise;  on 


180  LETTERS    ON    CLERICAL   MANNERS. 

some  occasions,  from  an  ill-judged  and  ill-managed 
introduction  of  this  subject,  as,  on  other  occasions, 
from  a  palpable  and  improper  neglect  of  it.  Wis- 
dom is  profitable  to  direct.  Humbly  seek  direction 
in  each  case,  and  you  will  be  led,  substantially,  in 
the  right  way.  But  there  are  some  rules  which  a 
minister  of  the  Gospel,  when  seated  with  a  dining 
party,  may  and  ought  to  observe,  in  all  cases^  and 
which  can  never  give  the  smallest  offence,  when 
the  company  is — as  we  may  reasonably  take  for 
granted  it  always  will  be  when  he  is  present — a  de- 
cent one.  Allow  me  to  hint  at  a  few  of  them. 
Some  of  those  which  I  shall  mention,  have  been 
partly  brought  into  view  before  ;  but  I  choose  to 
present  them  in  a  group  in  this  place. 

Never  indulge,  at  the  dining  table,  in  loiul  talk- 
ing  or  boisterous  mirth.  This  is,  in  most  cases,  a 
mark  of  vulgarity,  or  of  something  worse.  And  if 
it  occur  toward  the  close  of  dinner,  it  may  excite  a 
suspicion,  in  those  who  have  not  observed  your 
strictly  temperate  drinking, — that  you  are  anima- 
ted by  wine. 

Do  not  allow  yourself  to  talk  much  of  the  excel- 
lence of  particular  articles  oifoodov  kinds  of  cook- 
cry,  or  of  the  qualities  of  different  ivines.  It  is  un- 
worthy of  a  minister  of  the  Gospel  to  manifest,  or 
to  feel,  a  disposition  to  attend  to  matters  of  this 
kind.  Do  not  even  praise,  in  a  pointed  or  conspi- 
jcuous  way,  any  article  before  you  on  the  table. 
Give  no  occasion  to  any  one  to  remark,  as  has  often 
been  sarcastically  done,  that  "  the  parson  is  very 


LETTERS  ON  CLERICAL  MANNERS,     ISi 

ibnd  of  good  eating  and  drinking."  If  you  enjoy 
an  article  of  food  or  drink,  do  it  pretty  much  in  si- 
lence ;  or  if  a  strong  commendation  of  what  you  are 
eating,  be  pointedly  addressed  to  you  by  another, 
assent  to  it,  moderately,  if  you  can  consistently 
with  candour  ;  but  not  with  that  warmth  and  repeti- 
tion which  evince  particular  engagement  of  mind. 

While  you  forbear  to  converse  in  a  style  which 
savours  of  the  epicure  and  the  wine-bibber  ;  be  care- 
ful  to  embrace  every  opportunity  to  throw  out 
f^ood  sentiments  and  pious  hints.  If  you  see  no 
favourable  opening  to  speak  directly  on  the  most 
precious  of  all  subjects,  there  are  many  others, 
which  you  may  introduce  to  all  companies,  without: 
offence,  and  with  much  utility.  Such,  for  example^ 
as  literature — education — new  books — humane  and 
benevolent  institutions — plans  of  usefulness — strik- 
ing anecdotes,  adapted  to  impress  good  and  seasona- 
ble sentiments — in  short,  any  thing  which  may  tend 
to  benefit  those  around  you,  and  to  show  that  your 
own  mind  is  running  on  something  better  than 
mere  animal  indulgence. 

Do  not  harangue  at  dinner  tables.  It  is  unplea- 
sant to  hear  a  minister  of  the  gospel,  especially  a 
young  one,  address  those  around  a  convivial  board, 
in  a  preaching,  authoritative  manner.  It  is  unsuit^ 
able  to  a  festive  occasion,  and  revolting  to  delicate 
minds.  Converse  in  a  low,  modest,  respectful  tone, 
with  those  who  are  seated  near  you,  and  seldom 
elevate  your  voice  so  as  to  be  heard  by  the  whole 
company,  unless  you  are  questioned,  or  otherwise 


182  LETTERS    ON   CLERICAL    MANNERS. 

addressed,  by  some  one  at  a  remote  end  of  the  table  ; 
and,  even  then,  let  your  manner  be  studiously  mild, 
unostentatious,  and  i-emote  from  dogmatism. 

Avoid  with  special  care  all  controversy^  especially 
religious  controversy,  on  such  occasions.  It  is  pe- 
culiarly inappropriate  at  convivial  meetings.  You 
must  be  very  hard  pushed  indeed,  not  to  be  able* 
with  a  very  small  measure  of  address  and  delicacy, 
to  put  aside  every  thing  of  this  kind,  without  giv- 
ing offence. 

Instead  of  eating  more  than  usual  at  a  table  where 
there  is  a  great  variety  of  delicacies,  rather  e«/  less. 
Eating,  even  a  little,  of  various  attractive  dishes,  is 
more  burdensome  to  most  stomachs  than  an  equal 
quantity  of  a  single  plain  dish.  A  person  of  studi- 
ous habits  can  rarely  go  far  in  indulgences  of  this 
kind  with  impunity,  and  ought,  of  course,  where 
there  is  much  temptation,  to  set  a  double  guard  on 
his  appetite.  Besides,  it  has  a  much  better  ap- 
pearance, for  one  who  is  known,  in  common,  to 
live  plainly  (as  most  clergymen  do,  and  as  all  ought 
to  do)  to  manifest  no  particular  disposition  for  extra 
indulgence  when  many  delicacies  are  before  him. 

Be  careful  always  to  set  an  example  of  strictly 
temperate  drinking,  when  dining  in  company.  In- 
stead of  taking  more  strong  drink  than  common  on 
such  occasions,  rather  take  less.  A  man,  as  I  have 
said  in  a  former  letter,  U7ider  forty  years  of  age, 
if  he  be  in  good  health,  ought  to  drink  nothing  but 
water.  For  the  present,  then,  as  I  know  you  to  be  in 
good  health,  1  would  say,  touch  no  kind  of  strong 


LETTERS  ON  CLERICAL  MANNERS.      183 

drink,  however  plentifully  it  may  be  flowing  around 
you.  And  even,  at  any  age,  be  admonished  not  to 
take  more  than  one  glass  of  ivine  at  the  same  din- 
ner. The  example  of  a  minister  is  so  unspeakably 
important,  that  you  ought  to  be  continually  on  the 
watch  to  shun  the  very  appearance  of  evil.  And  the 
wide  spreading  desolation  occasioned  by  stimulating 
drinks,  is  such,  as  that  every  clergyman  ought  to 
consider  himself  as  peculiarly  called  upon  to  act  as 
a  kind  of  official  conservator  of  the  publick  virtue  in 
relation  to  this  point. 

Never  sit  long  at  the  dinner  table,  after  the  cloth 
is  removed.  Not  only  because  a  clergyman  is  to  be 
supposed  not  to  have  time  to  waste  in  this  manner  ; 
but  also  for  the  purpose  of  bearing  a  kind  of  practi- 
cal testimony  against  the  habit  of  "  tarrying  long  at 
the  wine"  after  dinner. 

9.  In  all  your  visits,  as  far  as  possible,  avoid 
GIVING  TROUBLE.  Agaiust  this  rule  perhaps  none 
are  more  apt  to  offend  than  inexperienced  young 
men,  who  have  no  families  of  their  own,  and  whose 
attention  has  never  been  practically  drawn  to  the 
different  ways  and  degrees  in  which  a  single  trouble- 
some visiter  may  break  in  on  the  order,  and  impair 
the  comfort  of  a  family. 

While  you  consult  your  own  comfort,  then,  to  a 
reasonable  extent,  wherever  you  go,  remember  that 
the  comfort  of  others  is  to  be  quite  as  carefully  con- 
sulted. This  is  to  be  done  by  making  as  ie\Y  de- 
mands on  their  time  and  attention  as  may  be ;  by 
encroaching  as  little  as  you  can  on  the  ordinary  rou~ 


184  LETTERS   ON   CLERICAL    MANNERS. 

line  of  their  movements ;  by  having  as  few  wants 
and  pecuharities  as  possible  ;  by  never  calling  upon 
them,  unless  in  a  case  of  necessity,  to  prepare  a  meal 
for  you  at  an  unseasonable  time,  and  after  their  own 
Is  completed ;  by  eating  and  drinking  whatever  is 
set  before  you,  without  exciting  the  suspicion  that 
you  are  not  suited  ;  and  by  endeavouring,  in  every 
variety  of  method,  incapable  of  being  specified,  to 
accommodate  yourself  to  the  habits  and  comforts  of 
those  whom  you  visit. 

Every  one  knows  that,  when  he  goes  to  a  tavern. 
the  more  good  things  he  calls  for,  and  the  more  fully 
he  puts  in  requisition  all  the  luxuries,  resources,  and 
servants  of  the  house,  the  more  pleasure  he  gives. 
But  you  will  never,  I  trust,  feel  yourself  at  liberty  to 
act  upon  this  principle,  when  you  avail  yourself  of 
the  hospitality  of  your  friends. 

When  you  are  an  inmate,  then,  in  a  friend's  fami- 
ly, for  a  single  day,  or  longer,  be  careful,  as  far  as 
possible,  to  conform,  in  every  minute  particular,  to 
the  stated  order  of  the  family.  Allow  no  part  of  it 
to  be  set  aside  for  your  sake.  Ascertain  the  usual 
hours  for  taking  their  several  meals,  and  never  de- 
tain them  a  single  moment,  if  you  can  possibly  avoid 
it.  Make  a  point  of  being  within  at  an  early  hour 
in  the  evening,  so  as  not  to  interfere  with  the  usual 
time  for  domestick  worship,  and  retiring  to  rest. 
Employ  the  servants  as  little  as  possible  in  waiting 
upon  you,  and  in  going  on  errands  for  your  accom- 
modation. In  short,  study  to  accommodate  all  your 
movements  to  the  ordinary  habits  and  convenience 


LETTERS    ON   CLERICAL    MANNERS.  185 

of  the  family  to  which  you  are  indebted  for  its  hos- 
pitality. Christian  benevolence  demands  that  you 
pursue  this  course.  It  is  only  "  doing  to  others  as 
you  would  that  they  should  do  unto  you."  A  regard 
to  your  own  interest,  also,  demands  it  of  you.  For 
it  cannot  be  doubted  that  those  who  find  you  a  very 
troublesome  guest,  will  be  glad  of  your  departure, 
and  not  very  anxious  that  you  should  repeat  your 
visit. 

10.  Be  careful  in  receiving,  as  well  as  in  pay- 
ing VISITS.  When  you  have  a  house  of  your  own, 
be  hospitable.  Your  duty  as  a  christian,  and  as  a 
minister,  will  demand  it.  Receive  and  treat  your 
friends  with  unaffected  benevolence  and  kindness. 
Entertain  them  comfortably,  but  always  ^plainly, 
"  Be  not  forgetful  to  entertain  strangers,  for  thereby 
some  have  entertained  angels  unawares."  But  re- 
member that  what  is  called  hospitality  may  be  car- 
ried too  far.  When  a  minister  of  the  gospel,  under 
the  notion  of  complying  with  this  duty,  "keeps  open 
nouse,"  and  allows  his  dwelling  to  be  made  a  tavern^ 
he  does  injustice  to  his  family,  and  criminally  con- 
sumes his  own  time.  For  to  every  guest  some  time 
must  be  devoted,  and  to  some,  much  time.  I  have 
known  some  clergymen  in  populous  towns,  a  large 
portion  of  whose  time  was  employed  in  this  manner, 
to  the  utter  destruction  of  their  studies  ;  and  whose 
households  were  thereby  kept  in  a  course  of  con- 
stant toil  and  confusion.  As  to  the  question  how 
far  you  ought  to  go,  in  this  respect,  I  can  lay  down 
no  general  rule.  Christian  wisdom  must  direct  you. 
^       •  Q  2 


i8<3  LETTERS   ON   CLERICAL   MANNERS, 

11.  When  you  visit  large  towns,  do  kot  calcu- 
late   ON  GOING    to    lodge    AT    THE    HOUSE    OF    THE 

MINISTER  with  whom  you  may  happen  to  be  acquaint- 
ed. Peculiar  intimacy  may  indeed  render  this  strict- 
ly proper ;  but  never  do  it,  without  being  decisively^ 
and  even  pressingly  invited.  Your  case,  it  is  true, 
is  but  one  ;  yet  if  two  or  three  such  cases  occur  ev- 
ery week,  it  is  easy  to  see  what  the  consequence 
must  be  to  those  ministers  who  live  in  populous 
places.  A  little  reflection  will  show  how  you  ought 
to  act. 

12.  My  last  counsel  on  this  subject  is,  that  you 
never  enter  any  house,  to  pay  the  shortest  visit,  with- 
out LEAVING  SOME  TESTIMONY  IN  FAVOUR  OF  RELI- 
GION. Even  where  there  is  no  time,  or  good  open- 
ing for  direct  address,  or  even  inquiry^  concerning 
the  spiritual  interests  of  those  whom  you  address : 
you  may  still  speak  a  word  for  your  Master,  and 
leave  a  hint, — if  it  be  but  a  hint — to  his  honour  be- 
hind you.  A  single  sentence  expressive  of  trust  in 
God,  or  some  other  pious  sentiment ; — a  reference 
to  his  all-governing  Providence,  and  the  dependence 
of  all  creatures  on  his  power ; — a  suggestion  respect- 
ing the  uncertainty  of  all  worldly  possessions,  the 
stabihty  and  infinite  value  of  heavenly  treasures,  and 
the  blessedness  of  those  who  have  a  well  founded 
hope  in  Christ ; — an  allusion  to  the  superior  import- 
ance of  spiritual  health,  where  disease  of  body  is 
complained  of; — a  mild  and  friendly  check  of  anxie- 
ty, where  an  inordinate  share  of  it  is  expressed,  by 
directing  the  thoughts  of  the  anxious  to  the  adorablo 


LETTERS   ON  CLERICAL   MANNERS.  18T 

government  of  God ; — a  sentence  or  two  of  this  kind, 
uttered,  not  with  formahty,  but  with  mild  and  afFec- 
iionate  simplicity,  may  be  "  a  word  in  season,"  a 
means  of  incalculable  benefit  to  those  to  whom  it  is 
addressed.  Many  a  time  has  a  short  sentence,  spo- 
ken in  the  fear  of  God,  and  from  a  tender  love  to 
souls,  though,  perhaps,  soon  forgotten  by  the  speak- 
er, proved  an  instrument  of  eternal  benefit  to  some 
individual  or  family,  where  such  a  result  was  least 
expcctcf!. 


XiETTER   VIZ. 


.ajYD  LET  US  C0J\^SIDER  OA'E  A.^TOTHER,  TO  PROVOKE    T.V 
TO  LOVE,  AJ^D  TO  GOOD   WORKS,  Heb.  X.  21. 


HABITS  IN  THE  SEMINARY  GENERALLY 


My  dear  young  Friend, 

You  are  no  longer  a  school-boy,  nor  even  a  Col- 
lege student.  Having  become  a  man^  you  will  be 
expected  to  put  away  childish  things.  Having 
taken  your  place  in  a  Theological  Seminary,  as  a 
candidate  for  the  holy  Ministry,  you  thereby  give  a 
solemn  pledge  that  every  thing  weak,  irregular  and 
disorderly :  every  thing  calculated  to  retard  your 
own  progress,  or  to  ofTend  others,  shall  be  carefully 
avoided.  Many,  indeed,  carry  this  idea  so  far  as  to 
imagine  that,  in  a  Theological  institution,  there  can 
be  no  need  for  regulation  or  discipline  at  all.  They 
imagine  that  all  candidates  for  the  sacred  office  will, 
of  course,  have  so  much  gravity,  prudence,  sense  of 
decorum,  and  fixed  religious  principle,  as  to  render 
all  specifick  measures  for  maintaining  order  altogeth- 
er unnecessary.  And  hence  it  is,  that  such  persons 
consider  a  system  of  rules,  intended  to  controul  the 
personal  deportment  of  such  students,  as  altogether 


LETTERS  ON  CLERICAL  MANNERS.       189 

superfluous,  if  not  an  unworthy  reflection  on  theii 
character. 

Such  persons,  however,  take  a  hasty  and  narrow 
view  of  the  subject.  Their  impressions  are  not  de- 
rived from  experience.  They  forget  that  the  greater 
part  of  an  associated  band  of  Theological  students 
have  just  left  College  ;  and  that  Mere  they  have 
been  accustomed  to  a  certain  set  of  habits  appropri- 
ate to  institutions  in  which  the  regular  and  the  dis- 
orderly are  mingled  together,  and  in  which  puerili- 
ty, and  as  much  disregard  of  rule  as  can  be  ventured 
upon,  are  apt  to  be  indulged  by  many.  There  stu- 
dents who  profess  to  be  pious,  are,  as  a  matter  of 
course,  subjected  to  the  same  regulations  which 
bind  the  most  licentious  and  unruly.  Accordingly 
they  become  habituated  to  that  constant  pressure  of 
College  authority,  which,  being  found  necessary  for 
others,  is  extended  to  them. 

With  these  habits  they  enter  a  Theological  Semi- 
nary ;  in  which  the  same  rigour  of  inspection,  and 
the  same  strictness  of  regulation,  in  detail,  are  con- 
sidered as  unnecessary,  and  even  as  improper.  In 
such  circumstances,  no  wonder  that  their  first  im- 
pressions are  those  oiunlimited  liberty.  No  won- 
der that,  in  a  few  instances,  they  are  found  to  need 
a  monitor,  to  remind  them,  that,  although  their 
personal  habits,  and  their  application  to  study, 
ought  now  to  be  left  more  to  their  own  sense  of 
duty  than  formerly,  rule  and  order  are  still  indis- 
pensable.   And  some  are  evidently  more  slow  than 


r: 


ISO  LETTERS    ON    CLERICAL    MAN^'ERS. 

others  in  accommodating  their  habits   to   the   new 
system  under  which  they  are  placed. 

But,  truly,  if  young  men  of  from  twenty  to 
twenty-five  years  of  age  ;  all  professors  of  religion  ; 
all  considered,  in  a  judjjjment  of  charity,  as  pious  : 
all  candidates  for  the  holy  ministry  ;  and  all  sup- 
posed to  be  under  the  influence  of  those  pure  prin- 
ciples, and  elevated  views  which  correspond  with 
that  sacred  ofiice  : — 1  say,  if  among  such  a  body  of 
young  men,  there  be  any  individuals  who  stand  in 
need  of  that  minute  inspection  and  regulation  which 
are  necessary  in  Colleges  ;  a  Theological  Seminary 
is  no  place  for  t/iem,  nor  the  Gospel  Ministry  an 
office  which  they  ought  ever  to  seek.  The  longer 
I  have  the  opportunity  of  observing  and  reflecting 
on  this  matter,  tf.e  more  fully  1  am  persuaded,  that 
the  petty  details  ot  Academick  or  Collegiate  control 
cannot  be  considered  as  applicable  to  Theological 
Seminaries;  and  that  the  theological  student,  who, 
while  in  the  enjoyment  of  health,  needs  to  be  fre- 
quently reminded  of  any  prominent  delinquency, 
in  reference  to  the  mild  rules  under  which  he  has 
voluntarily  placed  himself,  and  which  he  has  so- 
lemnly promised  to  obey,  ought  to  be  dismissed 
from  the  Institution.  He  shows  either  a  want  of 
principle,  or  a  want  of  consideration  and  circum- 
spection,  which  aflbrd  a  melancholy  prognostick  of 
usefulness  as  a  minister.  If  there  be  a  society  on 
earth,  the  character  of  which  may  be  supposed  to 
supersede  the  necessity  of  a  very  extended  code  of 
personal  regulation,  surely  it  is  a  band  of  the  sons 


LETTERS    OX    CLERICAL    MANNERS.  191 

of  the  church,  assembled  to  put  themselves  under 
training  for  the  ministry  of  reconciliation. 

But  still,  a  degree  of  regulation  is  indispensable. 
The  fact  is,  that  if  a  hundred  Clergymen  of  the 
maturest  age,  and  of  the  most  eminent  piety  and 
wisdom,  could  be  supposed  to  be  brought  together, 
and  placed  in  the  situation  in  which  you  and  your 
companions. are  placed,  they  would  not  only  need 
a  system  of  rules,  but  also  a  system  of  measures 
for  enforcing  them.  The  l^st  men  differ  in  their 
natural  temper,  in  their  tastes,  habits,  and  general 
cast  of  character.  What  one  feels  to  be  no  incon- 
venience to  him,  is  intolerable  to  another.  What 
an  individual  might  do  without  sin  or  mischief,  if 
done  by  half  a  dozen,  or  a  dozen,  might  be  exten- 
sively mischievous.  A  strict  attention  to  some 
rules,  then,  even  in  the  society  of  the  most  pious 
and  exemplary,  is  altogether  necessary.  I  should 
not,  therefore,  consider  my  system  of  advices  by 
any  means  complete,  as  to  its  parts,  if  I  did  not 
offer  you  a  few  counsels  in  reference  to  your  gener- 
al deportment  in  the  Seminary.  And  in  this,  as 
in  other  cases,  it  is  pleasing  to  reflect,  that  every 
good  habit  which  you  form  here,  will  be  likely  to 
exert  a  favourable  influence  on  your  character  as 
long  as  you  live. 

1.   Ponder  often  and  deeply  in  your  mind   the 

ADVANTAGES  WHICH  MAY  BE    DERIVED    FROM    SUCH 

AN  Institution.  Many  members  of  this,  and  of 
other  Theological  Seminaries,  I  have  no  doubt,  en- 
tirely fail  of  receiving  much  of  the  benefit  which 


t&2  LETTERS   ON   CLERICAL   MANNERS. 

they  might  receive,  and  certainly  ought  to  receive, 
from  their  not  taking  just  and  adequate  views  of  the 
advantages  within  their  reach ;  and,  of  course,  not 
habitually  aiming  to  improve  them  to  the  utmost. 
No  one  will  be  likely  to  attain  that  which  he  does 
not  contemplate  or  seek.  It  is  certain  that  the  Ge- 
neral Assembly  of  the  Presbyterian  Church,  in  found- 
ing the  Seminary  of  which  you  are  a  member,  form- 
ed large  expectations  of  the  benefits  hkely  to  result 
from  it  to  their  rising  mij;iistry,  and,  through  them,  to 
the  Church  over  which  they  preside.  In  bringing 
together  large  numbers  of  theological  students,  under 
the  same  roof,  and  the  same  teachers,  and  placing 
them  in  circumstances  calculated  to  awaken  every 
intellectual  power:  to  kindle  into  a  flame  every 
holy  affection ;  and  to  bind  every  one  to  his  fellows 
by  indissoluble  ties  ;  they  fully  expected  to  see  a 
race  of  ministers  rising  up  superior,  as  a  body,  to 
those  who  had  not  enjoyed  the  same  advantages  : — 
men  of  more  profound,  extensive  and  accurate  knovv- 
ledge  ;  of  more  ardent  piety  ;  of  more  united  views 
and  plans;  and  prepared  to  act  together  in  promot- 
ing the  Redeemer's  kingdom,  w^ith  more  harmony, 
zeal  and  efficiency,  than  those  who  had  not  been 
placed  in  a  similar  relation  to  each  other.  And, 
truly,  when  we  contemplate  what  the  society  of  such 
an  Institution  might  be,  and  ought  to  be ;  what 
pure  and  exalted  friendships  might  be  expected  to 
reign  among  a  hundred  candidates  for  the  sacred 
office,  all  engaged  together  in  the  pursuit  of  the  best 
species  of  knowledge ;  what  holy  emulation  in  study ; 


LETTERS   ON    CLERICAL    MANNERS.  193 

what  mutual  and  delightful  aid  in  the  investigation 
of  truth  ;  what  a  bright  and  steady  flame  of  piety  : 
what  unceasing  stimulants  to  love  and  good  works ; 
what  preparation  to  go  forth  as  a  band  of  brethren, 
united  in  every  effort,  and  carrying  light  and  bless- 
ing wherever  they  go ; — we  shall  readily  conclude 
that  the  venerable  Assembly  did  not  expect  more 
than  was  reasonable.  And,  certainly,  so  far  as  any 
have  failed  of  attaining  these  rich  advantages,  and 
realizing  all  these  expectations,  it  has  been  their  own 
fault.  For  I  can  scarcely  conceive  of  a  society  bet- 
ter adapted  to  promote  the  richest  growth  in  know- 
ledge, to  nurture  the  most  elevated  piety,  and  to 
cement  the  firmest  and  most  sanctified  union  of 
hearts,  than  that  which  is  assembled  at  a  Theologi- 
cal Seminary.  And  one  great  reason,  I  have  no 
doubt,  why  it  has  proved  to  many  who  have  been 
connected  with  it,  both  less  pleasant,  and  less  bene- 
ficial than  it  ought  to  have  been,  is,  that  they  have 
neither  duly  appreciated  the  advantages  which  were 
within  their  reach,  nor  aimed,  with  suitable  diligence, 
or  with  a  proper  spirit,  to  avail  themselves  of  these 
advantages.  In  vain  are  the  richest  treasures  strew- 
ed around  us,  if  we  have  neither  the  skill  nor  the 
disposition  to  make  them  our  own. 

If,  then,  you  wish  to  gain  the  whole  benefit  which 
you  ought  to  gain,  from  your  connexion  with  this  In- 
stitution, take  large  views  of  the  advantages  which 
may  justly  be  sought  and  expected  in  such  a  society, 
and  with  a  steady  aim,  and  indefatigable  persever- 
ance, pursue  the  attainment  of  them.     The  opportii- 

H 


194  LETTERS    ON   CLERICAL    MANNERS. 

nity  which  you  have  of  contemplating  different 
grades  of  talent ^  among  your  companions  in  study 
— some  of  them  above,  and  others  below  your  own, 
ought  to  teach  you  equally  to  avoid  arrogance  and 
despondency  ;  and  to  operate  as  a  constant  stimulus 
to  diligence.  From  all  the  varieties  of  taste^  tem- 
per, and  habits^  displayed  among  your  associates, 
you  ought  to  be  constantly  endeavouring  to  draw 
lessons  of  practical  wisdom,  hi  such  an  interesting 
society,  your  knowledge  of  the  world,  and  of  the 
human  hearty  ought  to  be  every  hour  increasing. 
From  daily  intercourse  with  companions  from  almost 
every  part  of  the  United  States,  you  ought  to  aim  at 
deriving,  while  stationary,  some  of  the  advantages 
of  extensive  travellinf!:.  By  witnessing  different 
grades  and  species  of  eloquence  in  others,  you  ought 
to  be  daily  gaining  materials  for  exciting,  correcting 
and  improving  your  own.  By  the  gentle  and  chris- 
tian attrition  of  mind  against  mind,  both  light  and 
heat,  of  the  most  salutary  kind,  ought  to  be  continu- 
ally stricken  out.  hi  social  study,  you  enjoy  the 
means  of  awakening  and  stimulaling  your  powers  to 
their  best  etForts,  and  of  correcting  and  extending  all 
your  knowledge.  Here  the  choicest  hosorn  friend- 
ships ought  to  be  formed,  to  cheer,  aid  and  bless  the 
whole  of  your  subsequent  life.  Here,  every  one, 
by  observing  the  foibles  and  mistakes  of  others 
ought  to  learn  to  correct  his  own.  And  here  the 
flame. of  piety,  kindling  from  heart  to  heart,  ought  to 
burn  with  a  brighter  and  purer  flame  from  day  to 
(lav. 


LETTERS    ON   CLERICAL   MANNERS.  19j 

Now,  resolve,  in  the  Lord's  name  and  strength, 
(hat  you  will  endeavour  to  keep  all  these  advantages 
habitually  in  your  own  view,  and  to  pursue  them 
with  undeviating  aim,  and  unwearied  diligence  ;  and 
that  you  will  constantly  endeavour  also,  to  hold  them 
up  to  the  view  of  others,  by  all  proper  methods,  but 
especially  by  the  lustre  of  your  example.  Resolve, 
if  you  stand  alone  in  the  resolution,  among  all  your 
brethren,  that  you  vrill  never  cease  your  efforts,  in 
your  proper  bphere,  to  promote,  to  the  utmost,  faith- 
ful study;  profound  and  impartial  discussion  ;  chris- 
tian regularity  and  order ;  the  mutual  correction  of 
errors  ;  deep,  lively  piety ;  gentle,  benign,  fraternal 
deportment ;  and  fervent  brotherly  love  among  all 
with  whom  you  are  connected ; — that  you  will  la- 
bour without  ceasing,  and  sacrifice  every  subordinate 
interest  for  tlie  sake  of  attaining  these  great  objects. 
A  single  student,  in  good  earnest  in  adopting  such  a 
resolution  ;  habitually  animated  with  a  correspond- 
ing spirit ;  and  making  all  who  approach  him  io  feel ^ 
continually,  the  purity  of  his  motives,  and  the  eleva- 
tion of  his  aims,  might  diffuse  an  influence  over  a 
whole  institution,  of  which  no  one  could  estimate  the 
value.  Try  to  be  such  an  individual ;  and  your 
companions  in  study  will  have  reason  to  remember 
you  with  gratitude  as  long  as  they  live,  and  the  fu- 
ture generations  of  the  Seminary  will  rise  up  and 
call  you  blessed. 

2.    Let  me  advise  you  to   pay   constant   and 

STRICT  ATTENTION  TO  THE  LAWS  OF  THE  SeMINARY. 

V^ou  are  bound,  as  an  honest  man,  to  do  this :   for 


190  LETTERS    ON    CLERICAL     MANNERS. 

vvhen  you  entered  it,  you  formally  and  "  solemnly 
promised,  in  a  reliance  on  divine  grace,  that  you 
would  faithfully  and  diligently  attend  on  all  the  in- 
structions of  the  Seminary ;  that  you  would  con- 
scientiously and  vigilantly  observe  all  the  rules  and 
regulations  specified  in  the  plan  for  its  instruction 
and  government,  so  far  as  the  same  relate  to  the  stu- 
dents ;  and  that  you  would  obey  all  the  lawful  re- 
quisitions, and  readily  yield  to  all  the  wholesome  ad- 
monitions of  the  Professors  and  Directors  of  the 
Seminary,  while  you  should  continue  a  member  ol' 
it.'' 

Now,  it  cannot  be  doubted,  that  this  promise,  or 
rather  oath^  (for  it  partakes  more  of  the  latter  cha- 
racter than  of  the  former)  lays  you  under  solemn 
obligations,  not  only  to  make  yourself  acquainted. 
in  minute  detail,  with  all  the  laws  and  regulations  of 
the  Seminary,  but  also  to  conform  to  them  with  a 
scrupulous  exactness.  These  laws,  as  you  know, 
are  all  publickly  read  before  the  assembled  students, 
twice  in  the  year.  But  the  whole  number  of  stu- 
dents are  never  actually  present  on  these  occasions  : 
and  some  of  those  who  are  absent,  perhaps,  may  for- 
get or  neglect  to  attend  to  the  subject  afterwards. 
I  would  advise  you  to  keep  a  copy  of  all  the  laws 
and  rules  in  question,  in  your  room  ;  to  review  them 
more  than  once  in  the  course  of  each  session  ;  and 
to  examine,  in  the  fear  of  God,  how  far  your  habits 
have  been  in  all  respects,  in  conformity  with  them. 
For,  be  assured,  your  punctual  obedience  to  every 
one  of  them,  in  every  tittle,  is  not  only  expected  and 


LETTERS   ON  CLERICAL  MANNERS.  197 

required,  but  is  important  to  the  best  interests  of  the 
Institution.  You  cannot  infringe  the  least  of  them, 
without  more  or  less  injury  to  yourself,  or  the  Semi- 
nary, or  both.  Never  ask,  then,  "  Where  will  be 
the  harm  of  a  single  infraction,  on  my  part,  of  this 
or  that  law?" — But  rather  ask,  when  you  are  tempt- 
ed to  such  infraction — "  What  would  be  the  conse- 
quence if  not  only  I,  but  all  my  fellow  students  were 
to  take  the  same  course  ?"  This  is  the  test  to  which 
every  student  of  delicate  moral  feehng  will  bring 
every  such  question. 

3.  Cultivate  the  habit  of  passing  from  one  part 

TO  ANOTHER  OF  THE  PUBLICK  EDIFICE  WITH  GEN- 
TLENESS, AND  WITHOUT  NOISE.  All  the  movcmcnts 
of  a  theological  student  should  be  grave,  sedate,  and 
manly.  No  running,  noisy  walking,  whistling,  sing- 
ing, loud  talking,  or  boisterous  laughter,  should  ever 
be  heard  in  passing  to  and  from  the  different  rooms. 
That  which  would  excite  no  attention,  and  produce 
no  inconvenience,  when  indulged  by  three  or  four 
persons  under  one  roof;  becomes  an  intolerable 
nuisance,  when  practised  without  restraint,  in  the 
same  edifice,  by  three  or  four  score.  There  is  a  strong 
propensity  in  young  men  of  buoyant  spirits,  how- 
ever excellent  their  intentions, to  forget  themselves 
in  reference  to  this  point,  and  to  infringe  that  digni- 
ty which  they,  no  doubt,  mean  to  observe.  Hence 
the  importance  of  beginning  early  in  life,  to  check 
this  propensity,  and  to  form  that  habit  of  gravity  and 
gentleness  in  all  your  movements,  which  will  diffuse 
a  charm  over  vour  manners  in  every  situation, 
R  2 


198  LETTERS    ON   CLERICAL   MANNERS. 

4.  Cherish  A  SPIRIT  of  perfect  order  in  all 
YOUR  ENGAGEMENTS,  as  a  member  of  the  Seminary. 
As  you  are  bound  to  meet  three  different  professors 
in  the  course  of  each  week,  and  have  different  stu- 
dies assigned  for  every  day,  some  degree  of  system 
in  study  becomes  absolutely  necessary.  You  can- 
not possibly  proceed  without  it.  But  it  is  manifest 
that  some  are  much  more  successful  than  others  in 
reducing  their  minds  to  that  rigidly  systematick  and 
orderly  character,  at  which  he  who  is  preparing  for 
publick  life  ought  always  to  aim.  My  object  is  to 
prevail  on  you  to  pay  pai^ticular  attention  to  this 
point ;  and  to  endeavour  here  to  form  habits  in  this 
respect,  which  may  exert  a  happy  influence  on  your 
whole  life.  You  cannot  too  early  begin  to  be  a 
man  of  perfect  system.  Let  the  strictest  order  per- 
vade all  your  engagements  and  habits.  Have  a  time 
and  place,  as  far  as  possible,  for  every  thing ;  and  let 
every  thing  be  done  in  its  proper  time  and  place. 
Let  regular  hours  be  assigned  for  devotion,  for  study, 
for  exercise,  for  visiting,  for  sleep,  and  for  miscella- 
neous avocations  ;  and  let  no  ordinary  occurrence 
break  in  on  those  hours.  Habits  of  this  kind  will 
be  of  greater  advantage  than  you  can  easily  antici- 
pate. You  will  be  able  to  accomplish  far  more  bv 
this  method,  than  you  possibly  could  otherwise.  You 
will  not  be  subjected  to  that  incessant  hurry  and  dis- 
traction which  are  generally  observable  in  those  who 
act  without  system.  You  will  be  delivered  in  a 
great  measure  from  those  moments  of  listlessness. 
which  are  apt  to  arise  when  we  have  not  made  up 


LETTERS   ON  CLERICAL  MANNERS.  199 

our  minds  what  to  begin  next.  In  fact,  if  the  plan 
of  a  Theological  Seminary  should  produce  no  other 
advantage  to  a  diligent  and  wise  student,  it  will  un- 
doubtedly tend  to  beget  the  habit  of  which  I  speak. 
And  I  will  add,  that  he  who  cannot  bring  his  mind  to 
submit  to  such  a  plan ;  who  frequently  yields  to  the 
infraction  of  it ;  or  who  flies  from  it  for  rehef ; — has 
great  reason  to  fear,  either,  that  he  labours  under  a 
constitutional  infirmity  of  mind,  which  demands  his 
immediate  and  decisive  attention  ;  or  that  he  is  giv- 
ing way  to  the  eccentricities  of  waywardness  or  ca- 
price, under  the  delusive  idea  that  they  are  the  work- 
ings of  genius.  He  who  disdains  to  submit  to  per- 
fect system  in  his  pursuits,  may  succeed  very  toler- 
ably as  an  occasional  writer  of  poetical  trifles, 
for  a  monthly  journal ;  but  as  a  profound,  dihgent 
and  faithful  minister  of  the  Gospel,  he  can  never 
succeed. 

5.  Be  particularly  punctual  in  attending  on  all 

THE  DEVOTIONAL  EXERCISES  OF  THE  SeMINARY.    Oh 

this  point,  it  would  seem  scarcely  possible,  that, 
among  a  band  of  candidates  for  the  ministry,  there 
should  be  room  for  counsel ;  and  especially  that  the 
regular  morning  and  evening  prayers  in  the  publick 
edifice,  should  ever  fail  to  be  attended  by  any  indi- 
vidual of  the  theological  brotherhood  who  had  health 
and  strength  enoug]i  to  allow  him  to  be  present. 
Such  impressions,  however,  will  not  always  be  found 
to  be  correct.  Some  occasionally  absent  themselves 
from  tnornmg  prayers,  because,  feelings  of  languor 
and  debility,  arising  from  late  study,  or  some  other 


,200  LETTERS   ON   CLERICAL   MANNERS, 

cause,  prevent  their  rising  sufficiently  early.  Other* 
are  sometimes  absent  from  evening  prayers,  because, 
owing  to  the  want  of  strict  order  in  their  affairs,  they 
are,  perhaps,  reduced  to  the  necessity  of  attending 
to  some  business,  elsewhere,  in  haste,  at  that  hour, 
which  might  and  ought  to  have  been  despatched  be- 
fore. While  a  third  class,  (I  hope  and  believe  it 
has  always  been  a  very  small  one,)  it  is  to  be  fear- 
ed, allow  obstacles  by  no  means  insurmountable,  to 
make  them  frequent  delinquents,  because  their  en- 
joyment of  such  exercises  is  less  than  it  ought  to  be, 
and,  perhaps,  less  than  it  once  was. 

Let  me  earnestly  enjoin  upon  you  to  guard  against 
every  approach  to  negligence  in  this  duty.  The 
more  you  pray  with  your  fellow  students,  the  more 
you  will  love  them,  and  the  more  delightful  will  it 
be  to  work  with  them,  in  digging  in  the  mines  of 
knowledge.  If  you  ever,  w^hen  in  tolerable  health, 
feel  it  a  burden  to  meet  your  brethren,  when  they 
assemble  at  the  throne  of  grace,  it  is  an  awful  symp- 
tom of  coldness  and  backsliding.  Nay,  if  you  are 
not  willing  to  make  some  sacrifices  for  the  sake  of 
attending,  and  to  take  pains  beforehand  to  adjust 
your  affairs  for  that  purpose,  you  have  great  reason 
to  fear  that  your  spiritual  health  is  not  prospering. 
I  am  always  distressed  when  I  see  a  candidate  for 
the  ministry  abundant  in  his  attendance  on  puhlick 
prayer  meetings  ;  but  frequently  absent  from  those 
of  a  private^  or  domestick  nature,  which  he  is  un- 
der, perhaps,  stronger  obligations  to  attend;  but 
which,  at  the  same  time,  present  little  attraction,  ex- 


LETTERS    ON    CLERICAL    MANNERS.  201 

cepting  to  the  mind  which  delights  in  communion 
with  God.  What  inference  are  we  almost  compel- 
led to  draw  from  such  a  fact  ?  Charity  herself  can- 
not fail  to  recognise  it. 

6.  Guard   against  frequent  or  long  continued 

ABSENCES     FROM     ANY     OF    THE    EXERCISES    OF    THE 

INSTITUTION.  There  is  a  very  remarkable  differ- 
ence between  student's  as  to  this  point.  Those  who 
love  study,  and  have  no  desire  to  cheat  themselves 
into  indolence,  are  always  found  at  their  posts  ;  and 
contrive,  whenever  it  is  practicable,  to  postpone  un- 
til some  season  of  recess,  every  business  at  a  distance 
from  the  Seminary  which  demands  their  attention. 
They  steadfastly  resist  all  proposals  to  take  needless 
excursions,  and  appear  to  regret  every  occurrence 
which  detaches  them  a  moment,  either  from  the 
study  or  the  lecture-room.  The  studies  of  these  are 
solid  and  unbroken  ;  and  they  generally  disclose  the 
happy  result  when  the  dav  of  examination  arrives. 
Their  knowledge  is  connected,  systematick,  and  accu- 
rate, and  their  minds  daily  making  progress  in  maturity. 
But  there  is  another  class  of  students,  a  few  of  whom 
have  been  found  in  this,  and  I  suppose,  in  every  si- 
milar institution,  who  seem  to  be  ever  ready  to  yield 
to  the  slightest  solicitation  to  quit  their  books,  and 
go  in  pursuit  of  some  object,  either  trivial  in  it- 
self, or  which  might  just  as  well  be  accomplished  at 
another  time.  If  their  miads  be  active,  it  is  only  to 
teem  with  plans  which  draw  them  in  a  different  di- 
rection from  that  in  which  their  appropriate  employ- 
jnent  lies,      It^  is  not    their  design  to    neglect  oi 


202  LETTERS   ON   CLERICAL    MANNERS. 

slight  their  studies.  On  the  contrary,  they  often  con- 
scientiously intend  and  promise  to  make  up  for  ever} 
absence  by  extra  diligence  in  time  to  come.  Bui 
the  season  for  such  diligence  never  arrives.  The 
next  week  or  month  brings  with  it  a  similar  tempta- 
tion, and  they  fall  before  it  in  a  similar  manner. 
Thus  they  spend  the  larger  part  of  their  three  years 
in  the  Seminary,  in  a  series  of  impotent  struggles 
with  irresolution  and  interruption  ;  and  when  the 
period  comes  to  an  end,  whether  they  perceive  it 
or  not,  others  perceive,  that  all  their  gains  are  small, 
ill  assorted,  and  of  little  practical  value.  They  are 
nearly  as  far  from  being  prepared  to  enter  on  their 
publick  work  as  when  they  commenced  the  course. 
My  dear  young  Friend,  fly  from  this  miserable 
habit  as  you  would  from  a  pestilence.  It  is  not  only 
destructive  of  all  solid  intellectual  improvement : 
but  it  indicates  a  mental  character  of  the  most  un- 
promising kind.  Cultivate  habits  of  steady,  unre- 
mitting diligence.  If  your  health  be  good,  let  no- 
thing take  you  away  an  hour,  much  less  a  day,  from 
your  appropriate  work,  unless  it  be  a  very  distinct 
call  of  Providence.  And  you  are  not  to  consider 
as  such  a  call,  every  simple  opportunity  of  attempt- 
ing to  do  good.  For  if  you  did,  as  such  opportuni- 
ties occur  every  hour,  you  would  never  study  at  all. 
Remember,  that  while  you  have  a  place  in  the  Semi- 
nary, its  studies  ought  to  form  your  constant  and 
Tuain  business  ;  and  that  every  day  that  you  unne- 
ccssarily  withdraw  from  them,  you  do  injustice  to 


1 


LETTERS  ON  CLERICAL  MANNERS.      503 

yourself,  to  the  institution,  and  to  the  church  of 
God. 

7.  Take  pains  to  cultivate  special  friendships 
with  such  of  your  fellow  students  as  may  appear 
most  likely  to  be  peculiarly  useful  and  pleasant  to  you. 
You  will,  of  course,  love  and  honour  all  your  fellow 
students  ;  but  the  idea  of  being  equally  attached  to 
every  individual,  of  a  hundred  companions,  and 
equally  intimate  with  every  individual,  would  be  at 
once  unreasonable,  and  destructive  of  all  valuable  in- 
timacy with  any  one.  Special  friendships  are  war- 
ranted by  the  example  of  the  Saviour,  and  demanded 
by  some  of  the  best  feelings  of  human  nature.  Nay, 
it  seems  to  me  not  improbable  that  they  will  exist 
in  heaven.  While,  therefore,  you  treat  every 
brother  with  whom  you  are  associated  in  study 
with  uniform  respect,  and  with  every  manifestation 
of  brotherly  kindness  ;  you  ought  to  be  allowed  the 
privilege,  an^l  to  avail  yourself  of  the  privilege,  of 
having,  among  them,  peculiarly  beloved  and  inti- 
mate companions.  This  choice  will,  of  course,  be 
made  with  a  special  view^  to  the  promotion  of  your 
own  personal  enjoyment  and  edification.  Make  the 
choice  with  care,  with  deliberation,  and  with  pray- 
er. Let  there  be  a  little  circle  of  three,  four  or 
five  of  these  intimate  friends.  Frequently  meet 
them,  at  convenient  seasons,  for  conversation,  on 
your  studies,  and  especially  on  experimental  reli- 
gion ;  and  let  every  interview  be  hallowed  bypray^- 
er.  Be  inviolably  faithful  to  these  friends.  Let 
one  of  the  objects  of  your  intimacy  be   to  correct 


b 


204  LETTERS    ON   CLERICAL    MANNERS. 

each  other's  faults.  For  this  purpose,  be  affection- 
ately unreserved  with  each  other.  If  these  peculiar 
connexions  are  properly  managed,  they  will  be  the 
happy  means  of  nurturing  a  spirit  of  piety  5  of  ma- 
ting your  studies  more  useful ;  and  of  preparing 
for  after  life  some  of  the  richest  pleasures  of  chris- 
tian and  ministerial  friendship. 

8.  Make  a  point  of  cult  'Vating  toward  all 

YOTJR  COMPANIONS  IN  STUDY,  A  SPIRIT,  AND  A 
STYLE    OF    MANNERS     CALCULATED    TO     CONCILL^TE 

THEIR  REGARD.  Any  man  who  becomes  one  of  a 
circle  of  four  or  five  score  of  theological  students, 
will,  of  course,  find  some  of  them  less  suited  to 
his  taste  than  others.  The  manners  of  one  may 
not  entirely  please  him.  The  natural  temper  of 
another  may  be  occasionally  revolting.  The  cap- 
tious^ cavilling  sp^it  of  a  third,  may  render  him 
somewhat  undesirable  as  a  companion.  And  it 
may  be  wished  that  the  jnety  of  a  fourth  were 
ir^ore  ardent  and  undoubted.  But,  though  you 
may  not  feel  prepared  to  be  equally  intimate  with 
all  as  chosen  companions,  you  may  treat,  and  ought 
to  treat  all,  with  respect  and  kindness,  as  brethren 
in  Christ,  into  whose  society,  in  the  Providence  of 
God  you  have  been  cast,  and  with  whom  it  is  3^our 
duty  to  live  as  amicably  and  pleasantly  as  possible. 
You  are,  obviously,  not  bound  to  entertain  a  high 
opinion  of  all.  You  are  not  even  bound  to  be  con- 
fident that  all  are,  of  course,  truly  pious.  But  you 
are  bound,  as  long  as  you  are  united  with  them  ki 
study,  and  they  continue  in  good  and  regular  stand- 


LETTERS    ON   CLERICAL   MANNERS.  205 

ing,  as  members  of  the  Seminary, — to  treat  them  all 
with  uniform  civility  and  kindness.  Never  allow 
the  least  approach  to  a  contemptuous  expression  or 
look  to  escape  you.  Never  permit  a  sneer,  sarcasm, 
ridicule,  or  even  chiUing  coldness,  to  mark  your 
treatment  of  any.  Cultivate  a  spirit  of  true  benevo- 
lence toward  every  one*  And  if  there  be  any  indi- 
viduals by  whom  you  feel  yourself  more  peculiarly 
repelled,  set  a  double  guard  over  your  spirit  and  de- 
portment toward  thein.  Frequently  pray  for  them. 
And  endeavour,  m  the  spirit  of  the  Gospel,  to  con- 
trive something  for  their  benefit.  In  short,  what- 
ever others  may  do,  let  it  be  your  constant  aim  to 
render  the  society  of  the  Seminary  as  harmonious, 
friendly,  and  delightful  as  possible. 

9.  Be  not  too  much  in  society  with  your  fel- 
low STUDENTS.  There  is  such  a  thing  as  persons 
making  themselves  cheap  even  to  their  friends.  This 
is  always  done,  where  they  obtrude  themselves  into 
tlieir  society  with  undue  frequency,  unseasonably, 
p.nd  too  long  at  a  time.  I  have  known  many  intima- 
cies, once  uncommonly  close,  first  cooled,  and,  after 
a  while,  broken  off,  from  causes  of  this  kind.  Rely 
on  it,  that  social  connexion  which  is  not  mutually 
pleasant,  and  mutually  convenient,  cannot  last  long. 
Carefully  guard,  then,  against  being  too  much  in  the 
society  even  of  your  best  friends.  Both  you  and 
they  need  much  retirement,  and  ought  to  be  left,  at 
proper  seasons,  to  enjoy  it.  Let  your  calls  be  sea- 
sonable, and  such  as  you  have  good  reason  to  think 
will  not  interfere  with  their  arrangements.     Indulge 

s 


206  LETTERS    ON    CLERICAL    MANNERS. 

no  undue  liberties  in  your  intercourse  with  "them. 
Those  friendships  are  hkely  to  be  most  pleasant  and 
most  lasting  in  which  christian  dignity  and  respect- 
fulness mark  the  intercourse  on  both  sides. 

10.  Be  much  in  the  habit  of  conversing  with 

YOUR  FELLOW  STUDENTS  RESPECTING  YOUR  STUDIES, 

Those  who  take  exercise  in  company  with  each 
other,  or  who  are  frequently  brought  together  by  any 
cause,  are  sometimes  at  a  loss  for  conversation.  But 
why  should  they  ever  be,  when,  not  to  mention  other 
topicks,  of  still  more  importance,  their  studies  per- 
petually furnish  matter  for  unlimited  conversation  ? 
Half  an  hour'-  discussion,  with  an  intelligent  com- 
panion, may  sometimes  do  more  to  enlarge,  and  cor- 
rect your  views  of  a  particular  subject,  than  many 
hours,  or  even  days  of  solitary  study.  There  are 
many  minds  which  are  never  excited  to  their  most 
vigorous  and  productive  action,  but  by  conversation. 
Perhaps  yours  is  of  this  cast.  However  this  may 
be,  you  may  meet  with  some  which  are  ;  and  it  will 
be  to  ycur  advantage  to  avail  yourself  of  the  fact 
wherever  it  is  found  to  exist.  It  will  readily  occur, 
that  you  ought  to  seek  the  conversation  of  which  I 
speak,  as  far  as  convenient,  with  those  who  are  best 
informed,  and  most  expert  on  the  subjects  which 
you  wish  to  discuss.  Indeed,  that  man  alone  is  wise, 
who,  in  all  cases  whatsoever,  when  he  desires  in- 
struction, resorts  to  the  society  of  those  who  are 
most  competent  to  confer  the  benefit. 

11.  Study  to  exercise  peculiar  delicacy  and  re- 
spect in  conversation  with  those  of  your  fellow 


LETTERS    ON    CLERICAL     MANNERS.  207 

STUDENTS  WITH  WHOM  YOU  MAY  DIFFER  IN  OPINION. 

It  often  happens,  in  a  Seminary  so  largely  attended, 
and  SO  liberal  in  its  constitution  as  ours,  that  stu- 
dents of  several  different  religious  denominations  are 
associated  together  in  its  classes.  These,  of  course, 
differ  from  the  students  of  our  own  church  on  a  va- 
riety of  points ;  not  to  say  that  even  the  latter  will 
often  have  minor  points  of  difference  among  them- 
selves. Now  young  men,  whose  knowledge  of  the 
world  is  small ;  who  have  no^  yet  known  much  by 
experience  of  the  evils  of  controversy  ;  and  who,  in 
the  ardour  of  their  youthful  feelings,  imagine  they 
can  soon  convince  or  silence  an  opponent ; — are  ex- 
tremely apt  to  bring  up  these  points  of  difference 
unseasonably,  to  dwell  upon  them  unduly,  and,  when 
they  suppose  that  any  advantage  is  gained,  to  indulge 
in  language  bordering  on  rude  exultation.  This  is 
a  practice  not  only  inconsistent  with  good  breeding, 
and  christian  dehcacy,  but  it  also  ministers  to  evil  in 
a  variety  of  ways.  It  often  leads  to  strife,  instead  of 
profitable  discussion.  Such  continual  attrition  also 
chafes  and  alienates  the  minds  of  some  whom  it  were 
desirable  to  win,  and  not  unfrequently  confirms  them 
in  error,  or  drives  them  still  further  from  the  truth. 
And,  moreover,  all  experience  proves,  that  when 
such  a  spirit  finds  its  way  into  a  circle  of  theological 
students,  both  the  ardour  and  the  comfort  of  vital 
piety  seldom  fail  to  decline.  In  conversing,  there- 
fore, with  a  fellow  student,  between  whom  and  your- 
self there  are  points  of  difference  in  theological  opi- 
nion, do  not  be  for  ever  dragging  them  forward,  and 


208  LETTERS    ON    CLERICAL    MANNERS. 

dwelling  upon  them.  Never  obtrude  them  upon 
him.  When  thej  are  brought  up,  always  treat  them' 
gravely  and  respectfully.  Never  ridicule  either  them 
or  their  advocate.  Never  impute  to  him  either  a  weak 
head  or  a  corrupt  heart.  Never  indulge  in  language 
approaching  to  acerbity.  And  whenever  you  find 
that  the  discussion  affects  him  unpleasantly,  let  it  be 
instantly  dropped,  and  not  soon  revived. 

12.  Be  especially  on  your  guard  against  all 

THOSE  unhallowed  TEMPERS  AND  HABITS  WHICH 
INTERFERE     WITH     FRATERNAL     INTERCOURSE,      and 

which  are  hostile  to  brotherly  love.  Many  tempers 
and  feelings  are  apt  to  creep  in  among  companions 
in  study,  and  even  among  theological  students,  which 
cannot  fail  to  exert  an  influence  deeply  hostile  to 
that  fraternal  affection  which  ought  ever  to  reign 
among  them.  In  this  re\olting  hst,  pride,  vanity, 
selfishness,  egotism,  envy,  unhallowed  emulation, 
jealousy,  and  suspicion,  hold  a  prominent  place. 
Where  any  one  or  more  of  these  reign,  like  the 
"  dead  flies  in  the  apothecary's  ointment,"  they  are 
apt  to  cause  the  whole  mass  to  send  forth  an  evil 
"savour."  Set  a  solemn  guard  over  your  spirit, 
with  respect  to  these  tempers.  If  you  yield  to  the 
power  of  pride,  vanity,  or  jealousy,  in  your  inter- 
course with  your  companions,  you  will,  assuredly, 
repel  and  alienate  them.  If  you  allow  yourself  to 
envy  the  superior  talents  or  popularity  of  any  bro- 
ther, and  to  sicken  at  his  success  ;  there  is,  of  course, 
an  end  of  all  fraternal  feeling  toward  him.  If  you 
permit  carnal  emulation  to  reign  in  your  breast,  or 


LETTERS    ON    CLERICAL    MANNERS.  209 

dark  suspicion  to  gain  the  ascendency  in  yourmind, 
on  the  ground  of  some  equivocal  word  or  action, 
you  may  bid  adieu  to  all  comfortable  intercourse 
with  the  objects  of  such  feehngs.  If  any  of  your  fel- 
low students  be  manifestly  superior  to  yourself  in 
any  attainment  or  excellence,  depend  on  it,  the  in- 
dulgence of  fretfulness  and  envy  at  the  view  of  it, 
and  giving  vent  to  corresponding  expressions,  will 
only  serve  to  diminish  your  own  comfort,  and  to 
render  your  inferiority  more  glaring.  O  how  de- 
structive of  peace,  as  well  as  wicked,  are  all  these 
tempers  !  How  deeply  are  they  capable  of  poisoning 
the  social  intercourse  even  of  the  pious  !  How  un- 
comfortable to  those  who  indulge  them  !  And  how 
humiliating  their  aspect,  in  the  view  of  the  wise  and 
good,  when  they  become  visible !  My  dear  young 
friend,  abhor  such  tempers.  Strive  to  subdue  and 
banish  them.  Whether  you  regard  your  own  enjoy- 
ment, or  that  of  others,  put  them  far  away.  Rejoice 
in  the  gifts  and  accomplishments  of  your  brethren. 
Be  always  ready  to  put  the  most  favourable  con- 
struction on  their  words  and  actions.  If  you  are 
tempted  at  any  time  to  suppose,  that  they  do  not 
honour  you  as  much  as  they  ought,  recollect  that 
they  are  much  more  Hkely  than  yourself  to  have 
an  impartial  opinion  on  this  point ;  and,  especially, 
that  the  most  fruitless  of  all  methods  of  gaining  ho- 
nour, among  the  wise  and  the  good,  is  to  make  an  an- 
gry, or  even  a  querulous  demand  of  it.  Be  kind,  re- 
spectful, and  truly  benevolent  to  every  brother.  Be 
ever  disposed  to  give  honour  where  it  is  due,  without 
s  3 


210  LETTERS    ON    CLERICAL   MANNERS. 

stint'  or  grudging.  Study  to  "  please  every  one  for 
his  good  to  edification ;""  and  you  may  safely  leave 
your  own  standing  among  your  companions  to  "  Him 
who  judgeth  righteously." 

13.  Be  careful  to  improve  the  excellent  opportu- 
nity which  you  enjoy  in  the  Seminary,  for  ascer- 
taining AND    CORRECTING    YOUR    OWN    FOIBLES,    A3 

WELL  AS  THOSE  OF  OTHERS.  SoUtudc  is  a  situation 
by  no  means  favourable  for  detecting  our  foibles. 
In  fact,  many  of  them  are  not  developed,  until  we 
go  into  society,  and  put  our  social  feelings  and  pro- 
pensities to  the  test.  Many  a  serious  young  man, 
who,  in  early  youth,  and  in  retirement,  appeared  to 
be  a  pattern  of  all  that  was  gentle,  frank,  generous 
and  amiable,  has  been,  unexpectedly,  found,  when 
brought  more  extensively  into  society,  to  disclose 
very  different  characteristicks.  If,  on  the  one  hand, 
he  succeeded  in  gaining  distinction  among  his  com- 
panions, he  became,  perhaps,  proud,  supercilious, 
dictatorial,  and,  it  may  be,  insufferably  arrogant. 
If,  on  the  other  hand,  he  found  his  standing  with  his 
fellows  less  elevated  than  he  was  led  to  anticipate, 
he  became  sour,  envious,  jealous,  full  of  suspicion, 
ready  to  misconstrue  every  word  and  action,  and  to 
consider  the  most  innocent  remark  as  having  a  hos- 
tile aim.  Or,  perhaps,  his  infirmity  of  character 
look  the  course  of  succumbing  to  his  new  circum- 
stances, and  appearing  the  flattering,  creeping  syco- 
phant. Now,  as  society  has  a  wonderful  power  in 
exciting  these  peccant  humours  into  actionj  and 
bringing  them  into  view  ;  so  the  best  society,— such 


LETTERS  ON  CLERICAL  MANNERS.      211 

as  that  in  a  theological  Seminary  ought  to  be, — 
seems  to  present  one  of  the  best  means  of  correcting 
them.  Surely  a  circle  in  which  cultivated  know- 
ledge, pious  principles,  and  mutual  and  fraternal  in- 
spection, reign,  is  one  of  the  most  favourable  on 
earth  for  mollifying  those  asperities,  rubbing,  or 
pruning  off  those  excrescences,  and  applying  a  re- 
medy for  all  the  acidities  and  obliquities,  which  are 
so  unfriendly  to  social  and  christian  enjoyment. 
Whatever  others  may  do,  then,  let  me  earnestly  ad- 
vise you  to  avail  yourself  of  this  advantage.  You 
will  never  enjoy  such  another.  Carefully  watch  the 
workings  of  your  own  mind,  both  toward  those  above 
you,  and  those  below  you,  on  the  scale  of  talents  and 
influence.  And  so  far  as  you  discover  either  pride 
or  sycophancy ; — arrogance  or  despondency— envy, 
or  a  disposition  meanly  to  flatter ; — never  rest  till 
you  root  them  out,  and  banish  them  from  your  bo- 
som. Entreat  your  intimate  friends  to  tell  you  your 
faults  with  perfect  candour,  and  reciprocate  the  fa- 
vour with  them.  Watch  over  one  another  with  af- 
fectionate fidelity.  And  when  any  of  your  defects, 
infirmities,  or  mistakes,  are  disclosed  to  your  view 
by  a  brother,  receive  the  communication  with  meek 
and  humble  thankfulness.  As  far  as  my  experience 
extends,  I  would  say,  few  things  afford  a  w^orse  prog- 
nostick  of  the  spirit,  and  destiny  of  a  young  man, 
than  his  resenting  such  a  painful  and  self-denying 
effort  to  promote  his  benefit.  In  short,  study  daily 
to  make  your  intercourse  with  your  brethren  a  means 
of  correcting,  as  far  as  possible,  every  moral  and  in- 


XJi!2  LETTERS    ON    CLERICAL    MANNERS. 

tellectual  fault,  and  of  promoting  every  amiable  grace 
and  virtue,  both  in  yourself  and  in  your  associates. 
14.  Let  me  advise  you  to  be  punctual  and  de- 
voted IN  your  atte?;dance  on  the  Theologi- 
cal Society,  w^hich   is  connected  with  the  Semi- 
nary.    It  has  not  a  little  surprised  me  that  the  meet- 
ings of  this  Association  should  be  often  so  thinly  at- 
tended, and  sofrequenrly  marked  with  languor  and 
want  of  interest.      Surely  a  band    of  Theological 
students  might  be  expected  highly  to  prize  a  So- 
ciety  formed    for   the  perfectly  free  and  unshack- 
led discussion  of  truth,  and  which  might  be  made 
every   thing   that  the    learning,    zeal,    enterprise, 
eloquence,  and  piety  of  its  members  chose  to  make 
it.     That  there  is  enough  of  all  these  among  them 
to  render  it  hijrhly  interesting  and    profitable,    no 
one  who  is  acquainted    with   their   character  can 
doubt.     Why,  then,  one  is  tempted  to  ask,  is  there 
not   more — much   more  interest  actually    infused, 
from  week  to  week,  into  its  discussions?  I  have  no 
doubt  the  true  answer  is — Partly    from  indolence, 
or  the  want  of  that  enterprise  and  decision  of  char- 
acter,   which  are    so  indispensable  to   the  accom- 
plishment of  much  in  any  pursuit :  and  partly  be- 
cause the  mass  of  the  students  do  not  take  any  thing 
like  adequate  views  of  what  the  Society  in  question 
might  be  made,  and  of  the  immense  contributions 
to  their  improvement  which  might  be  drawn  from 
it.     It  surely  might  and  ought  to  be  made  a  source 
of  the  richest  advantage  to  all  its  members.     Let 
me  urge  you  to  contribute  as  much  as  in  you  lies  to 


LETTERS    ON    CLERICAL    MANNERS.  213 

the  attainment  of  this  advantage.  Be  inflexibly- 
punctual  in  your  attendance  upon  it.  When  you 
are  appointed  to  introduce  the  debate,  prepare  for 
the  duty,  and  endeavour  to  perform  it  in  an  able, 
and  interesting  manner.  Surely  when  such  a  ser- 
vice occurs  only  once  or  twice  a  year,  you  can  afford 
to  take  some  pains  to  perform  it  well  ;  especially 
when  you  consider  that  every  effort  of  this  kind 
which  you  make,  entirely  coincides  with  your  main 
pursuit.  Let  it  be  seen  that  you  always  take  a  deep 
interest  in  tf;,e  discussions,  by  participating  in  them 
on  proper  occasions  ;  by  taking  pains  to  bring  for- 
ward suitable  questions  for  consideration  ;  and  by 
labouring  to  give  such  a  direction  to  every  thing,  as 
will  render  it  at  once  attractive  and  profitable  to 
your  brethren.  A  small  portion  of  such  a  spirit 
conscientiously  kept  up,  would  be  far  more  effica- 
cious than  any  system  of  fines  and  penalties,  which 
can  answer  little  other  purpose  than  to  tease  and 
alienate. 

15.   Prize   every   opportunity   of  speaking   in 

THEP  RESENCE  OF    YOUR    PrOFESSORS    AND    FELLOW 

STUDENTS,  and  always,  with  avidity,  avail  yourself 
of  it.  That  some  of  your  companions  in  study 
should  consider  the  rule  of  the  Seminary  which 
obliges  them  to  speak  in  publick,  at  stated  times, 
as  imposing  a  burden,  rather  than  offering  a  privi- 
lege, is  a  fact  not  difficult  to  be  accounted  for.  The 
want  of  that  energy,  and  diligence,  vvhich  fit  young 
men  for  high  aims,  and  indefatigable  efforts  ;  and 
the  want  of  that  steady  fixedness  of  purpose,  which 


214  LETTERS    ON    CLERICAL    MANNERS. 

resolutely  prepares  in  time  for  every  prescribed 
task,  are  certainly  among  the  principal  reasons  why 
so  many  fail  of  performing  this  service  as  well  as 
they  are  really  able  to  do  it;  and,of  course,  why  they 
are  so  reluctant  to  perform  it  at  all.  There  are  thosCj 
indeed,  who  are  almost  ready  to  deride  the  perform- 
ance of  this  duty,  as  if  they  supposed  it  impossible, 
in  the  nature  of  things,  to  speak  well  in  such  cir- 
cumstances. This,  however,  i  take  it,  is  an  utler 
delusion.  It  is  often  dictated  by  laziness,  rather 
than  by  enlightened  judgment.  That  much  prac- 
ticej  even  though  it  be  on  a  sma'l  scale,  is  great- 
ly conducive  to  the  discipline  of  the  voice,  and  to 
the  attainment  of  self-possession  in  publick  speak- 
ing, all  good  judges  are  agreed.  And,  if  I  am  not 
deceived,  ail  that  is  necessary  to  the  production  of 
many  excellent  specimens  of  eloquence  in  our  Ora- 
tory, is,  that  due  prep  a7' a  Hon  be  made,  and  due 
l^ains  taken  at  the  time,  for  the  purpose.  Let  me 
entreat  you  no  longer  to  suffer  the  performance  of 
this  duty  to  languish  in  your  hands.  Never  allow 
your  name  to  appear  among  the  delinquents ;  and 
address  yourself  to  the  work  with  the  decision  and 
diligence  of  one  who  highly  appreciates  its  value. 
Let  that  which  you  speak  be  always  perfectly  com- 
mitted to  memory.  The  importance  of  this  disci- 
pline of  the  memory  may  not  now  be  seen  in  all  its 
extent ;  but  will  be  found  to  be  great  hereafter. 

16.  When  called  upon  lo  criticise  the  speak- 
ing OP  YOUR  brethren,  always  do  it  with  respect- 
fulness, delicacy,  and  fraternal  kindness.    In  regard 


.^K 


LETTERS    ON   CLERICAL    MANNERS.  215 

to  this  matter,  there  are  two  extremes.  The  one 
is,  habitually  to  deal  in  the  language  of  excessive  and 
indiscriminate  praise,  in  other  words,  of  flattery. 
The  other  is,  as  generally,  to  employ  the  language  of 
satire,  sarcasm,  or  harsh,  unmerited  censure  ;  to  en- 
deavour to  place  every  thing  commented  on,  in  a  lu- 
dicrous hght:  and  not  unfrequentlyto  turn  the  person, 
as  well  as  the  discourse  of  the  speaker  into  ridicule.  I 
hope  I  need  not  put  you  on  your  guard  against  either 
of  these  extremes.  They  are  both  unworthy  of  a  gen- 
tleman  ;  especially  of  a  gentleman  who  also  lays 
claim  to  the  benevolence  and  magnanimity  of  a  chris- 
tian. Let  all  your  criticisms  be  marked  by  a  truly 
respectful  and  fraternal  spirit.  Be  candid  and  faith- 
ful ;  but  at  the  same  time,  benign  and  delicate.  la 
short,  with  an  unfeigned  spirit  of  brotherly  kindness, 
let  your  aim  be,  not  to  gratify  either  spleen,  or  mirth, 
but  to  promote  the  real  benefit  and  honour  of  him 
who  is  the  object  of  your  remarks. 

17.  Whether  your  PLACE  of  boarding  be  in  the 
publick  edifice,  or  in  a  private  family,  be  careful 

OF    YOUR    deportment    AT    YOUR    MEALS,  aS    Well  aS 

at  other  times.  It  has  been  often  observed,  that 
little  things  frequently  afford  as  decisive  an  indica- 
tion of  character  as  greater^ ;  especially  when  it  is 
considered  that,  with  respect  to  the  latter,  we  are  apt 
to  be  on  our  guard  f  while,  in  reference  to  the  former, 
we  daily  act  without  thought.  Allow  me  to  witness 
a  man's  deportment,  for  a  single  week,  at  his  meals, 
and  in  his  boarding-house,  and  I  will  tell  you,  with 
almost  unerring  certainty,  what  kind  of  a  man  he  is : 


216  LETTERS    ON    CLERICAL   MANNERS. 

— whether  he  know  any  thing  about  the  refinement 
and  dignity  of  a  christian  gentleman ;  or  whether  he 
labour  under  that  coarseness,  vulgarity,  or  levity  of 
character  which  cannot  fail  of  making  an  unfavour- 
able impression  on  the  mind  of  every  spectator. 
Let  me  entreat  ycu  to  set  a  sacred  guard  over  your 
tongue,  and  over  your  whole  deportment,  in  the  situ- 
ation to  which  1  aiiude.  Let  your  mode  of  convers- 
ing, eating,  &c.  be  all  such  as  become  a  person  of  a 
serious,  and  cultivated  mind.  Let  no  one  ever  have 
occasion,  from  your  deportment,  to  remark,  that 
Theological  students  are  not  more  grave,  or  more  re- 
fined than  others.  I  once  heard  of  a  gentleman, 
who  had  made  his  will,  and  left  in  it  a  handsome  le- 
gacy to  our  Seminary.  Soon  afterwards,  meeting 
with  one  of  our  students,  at  a  pubhck  house,  where 
he  stopped  to  dine — a  student  who,  it  must  be  ac- 
knowledged, was  never  in  very  good  odour  among 
his  companions  in  study; — the  gentleman  was  so  dis- 
gusted with  his  levity,  coarseness,  and  epicurean 
feeding  at  the  dinner  table,  that  he  remarked — "  If 
this  be  a  specimen  of  the  students  of  that  Seminary, 
1  cannot,  in  conscience,  encourage  it ;"  and  on  his 
return  home,  altered  his  will.  It  is  thus  that  a  single 
student  (and,  truly,  the  one  in  question  stood  almost 
alone  in  his  "  bad  eminence")  may  not  only  disgrace 
himself,  but,  what  is  much  more  important,  disho- 
nour religion,  and  the  institution  of  which  he  is  a 
pupil !  Happy,  indeed,  would  it  be  for  the  Seminary, 
if  all  its  pupils  duly  recollected  how  much  its  honour 
is  involved  in  their  daily  deportment ! 


tETTERS   ON   CLEllICAL    MANNBUS.  217 

18.  Carefully  guard  against  injuring  the  Books 

WHICH  YOU  TAKE  OUT  OF  THE  PUBLICK  LIBRA- 
RIES. It  has  been  with  me  a  constant  matter  of  won- 
der, that  some  students,  who,  aside  from  their  delin- 
quency in  this  respect,  appear  to  be  young  men  of 
strictly  honourable  feeling,  and  pious  principle, 
should  be  capable  of  treating  books — books  not  their 
own — books  the  property  of  the  Church — books 
purchased  at  great  expense  for  their  gratuitous  ac- 
commodation— in  so  careless  a  manner  as  I  have 
sometimes  known  them  to  do  There  must,  surely, 
be  in  some,  either  a  want  of  thought.,  or  a  want  of 
conscience^  as  to  this  point.  It  is  of  great  importance 
that  a  student  acquire  good  habits  in  reference  to  his 
treatment  of  books  as  early  as  possible.  Pay  par- 
ticular attention  to  this  matter.  I  would  say,  it  is 
your  duty  to  learn  to  treat  all  books  which  you 
take  into  your  hands,  with  neatness  and  care;  but 
it  is  especially  your  duty  thus  to  treat  all  books  ob- 
tained on  loan^  either  from  publick  or  private  libra- 
ries ; — to  keep  them  clean ;  to  guard  against  turning 
down  their  leaves,  holding  them  over  the  fire,  defac- 
ing, or  otherwise  injuring  them;  and  to  return  them  sea- 
sonably and  carefully.  I  am  dehberately  of  the  opi- 
nion,that,  whenever  a  studenthas  evinced  habitual, or 
frequent  carelessness  on  any  of  these  points,  he  ougiit 
to  be  considered  as  a  person  unfit  to  be  intrust- 
edwith  books.,  and  to  have  the  shelves  of  a  library 
closed  against  him. 

19.  Carefully  AVOID  defacing,  OR  injuring  any 

PART  OF  THE  PuBLICK  EdIFICE   OR    ITS    FURNITURE. 
T 


218  I.ETTEES   ON   CLERICAL   MANNERS. 

There  appears  to  be  ^.physical  temperament\w  some 
youngmen,  which  continually  inripels  them  tc  be  cut- 
ting, scratching,  or,  in  some  other  way,  commitii  ng  spo- 
liations on  every  wainscot,  table,  chair,  or  other  fix- 
ture, within  their  reach.  Now,  that  this  should  be 
done  by  silly  or  unprincipled  College  boys,  we  no 
longer  wonder,  because,  after  all  the  "pledges  of 
their  truth  and  honour,"  that  they  will  abstain  from 
such  things,  we  so  frequently  see  it  exemplified. 
But  we  are  not  prepared  to  see  any  thing  of  this  kind 
done  by  Theological  students,  and,  happily,  we  very 
seldom  do  see  it.  Yet  I  have  certainly  known  such  a 
phenomenon,  in  some  rare  cases,  to  exist,  at  least  in 
one  Theological  Seminary.  Give  no  countenance, 
I  pray  you,  to  such  a  practice.  Consider  the  Semi- 
nary, and  every  thing  belonging  to  it,  as  the  proper- 
ty of  the  Church.  Be  as  careful  to  preserve  every 
part  of  it  from  the  smallest  injury  as  if  it  were,  your 
own.  Nay,  methinks,  a  mind  of  rigid  christian  deli- 
cacy will  consider  such  property  ^^  far  more  sacred 
than  his  own  ;  and  will  be  careful  to  repair,  to  the 
least  tittle,  every  injury  which  it  may  through  him 
have  sustained. 

20.  Finally  ;  at  the  close  of  every  day,  and  espe- 
cially of  every  week,  call  yourself  to  a  solemn 

ACCOUNT  FOR  THE  MANNER  IN  WHICH  YOU  HAVE 
SPENT  THE  PRECEDING  DAY  OR  WEEK.   Wc  aPC  SO 

apt  to  become  hstless  and  indolent  with  respect  to 
details  so  continually  recurring,  that  we  need  a  fre- 
quent, nay  a  stated  memento  of  what  is  incumbent 
upon  us.    At  the  close  of  every  day  and  week,  then. 


LETTERS    ON   CLERICAL   MANNERS.  219 

let  me  advise  you,  in  the  solitude  of  your  apartment, 
to  ask  yourself, — How  have  I  spent  the  preceding 
day  or  week  ?  How  have  1  fulfilled  my  duty — my 
engagements — the  plan  of  the  Institution  in  which 
the  Head  of  the  Church  has  placed  me  ?  Have  I  vio- 
lated any  rule,  either  in  its  letter  or  spirit  ?  Have  I 
been  diligent  in  study — punctual,  to  a  moment^  in 
my  attendance  on  every  prescribed  task — and  duly 
attentive  to  the  feelings  of  all  iny  brethren  ?  And  if 
you  occupy  a  room  in  company  with  another  stu- 
dent, let  these  inquiries  be  made  an  object  of  joint 
attention.  You  may,  by  adopting  this  plan,  be  the 
means  of  refreshing  each  other's  memory,  and  stim- 
ulating each  other's  conscience ;  and  thus  doubhng 
the  benefit,  both  to  yourselves,  and  the  Institution 
of  which  you  are  members. 


X.STTSR   VZZZ. 

aiFE  ATTEJ\rDAJ^CE  TO  READING. 

1  Tim.  iv.  IS, 


HABITS  IN  THE  STUDY. 


My  dear  young  Friend, 

When  a  young  man  enters  a  Theological  Semi- 
nary, he  may  be  supposed  to  be  already  familiar  with 
study.  He  must  necessarily  have  made  some  decent 
acquisitions  in  the  Greek  and  Latin  languages,  and 
in  the  branches  of  physical  and  moral  science  com- 
monly taught  in  our  colleges.  Of  course  he  may  be 
presumed  to  have  some  acquaintance  with  mental 
exertion  and  discipline.  Yet  many,  in  these  circum- 
stances, have  been  so  imperfectly  directed,  or  so 
negligent  of  direction,  in  the  earlier  parts  of  their 
course,  that  they  need  to  be  put  on  a  new  track ; 
and  all,  perhaps,  may  be  benefited  by  an  occasional 
suggestion  and  stimulus  in  their  future  efforts. 

The  following  counsels,  you  may  rest  assured, 
whatever  may  have  been  hitherto  your  habits,  are 
worthy  of  your  serious  consideration. 

1 .  One  ol  the  most  indispensable  preliminaries  to 
your  engaging  in  profitable  study,  is  that  you  cherish 
a  deep  sense  of  the  great  extent,  and  the  infi- 


LETTERS    ON   CLERICAL    MANNERS.  221 

KITE    IMPORTANCE    OF  THEOLOGICAL    SCIENCE.       No 

man  will  summon  his  whole  strength  to  any  work, 
and  put  in  requisition  all  his  diligence  and  zeal  in 
pursuing  it,  unless  he  act  under  the  deep  impression 
that  it  is  both  arduous,  and  worthy  of  his  best  pow- 
ers. That  it  will  require  his  utmost  efforts  to  ac- 
complish what  he  ought  to  aim  at ;  and  that  the  ad- 
vantages of  making  the  attainment  will  be  richly 
worthy  of  the  labour.  Accordingly,  I  have  no  doubt 
that  one  principal  reason  why  so  many  candidates 
for  the  ministry  pursue  the  study  of  theology  in  a 
languid,  perfunctory  manner,  is  that  they  take  nar- 
row and  altogether  inadequate  views  of  the  compass, 
depth,  and  value,  of  this  branch  of  knowledge.  They 
hastily  adopt  the  degrading  notion,  that  a  careful 
perusal  of  the  Bible,  together  with  some  approved 
system  of  divinity,  and  twenty  or  thirty  other  vo- 
lumes, will  be  sufficient  to  prepare  them  for  the  pul- 
pit. No  wonder  that,  with  this  sentiment,  their  stu- 
dies are  lazy  and  superficial  upon  principle.  No 
wonder  that  they  study  but  little,  and  that  to  that 
little  they  bring  scarcely  any  real  intellectual  effort. 
It  is  impossible  seriously  to  undertake  the  correction 
of  such  an  unworthy  and  childish  etimate  of  the  sub- 
ject as  this.  He  who  can,  with  any  intelligence, 
glance  over  the  list  of  studies  prescribed  for  the 
regular  course  in  this  Seminary  ;  or  he  who  can  pe- 
ruse such  a  book  as  CalvirCs  Institutes,  Edwards 
on  the  Will,  Butler's  Analogy,  WarhurtorCs  Di- 
vine Legation  of  Moses,  or  Magee  on  Atonement 
and  Sacrifice,  without  receiving  a  deep  impression 
T  2 


222  LETTERS    GN    CLERICAL    MANNERS." 

that  such  a  knowledge  of  Theology,  in  its  various  de- 
partments  and  relations,  as  will  qualify  a  nnan,  in  any 
tolerable  degree,  to  be  a  teacher  of  thousands,  re- 
quires profound,  patient,  and  laborious  study  ;  must 
have  either  a  very  weak,  or  a  very  perverted  under- 
standing. To  gain  knowledge  enough  to  be  what 
some  call,  "  a  pretty  preacher,'^  (a  hateful  and  de- 
grading epithet  for  an  ambassador  of  Christ)  is 
not  difficult ;  but  to  be  a  sound,  thorough  Divine, 
you  may  rest  assured,  is  neither  a  common,  nor  an 
easy  attainment. 

Sit  down,  then,  to  your  studies,  every  day,  under 
the  deep  impression  that  what  you  have  to  do,  de- 
mands your  best  powers,  and  your  utmost  diligence. 
Take  large  views  of  Theology  and  the  auxiliary 
branches  of  knowledge.  Cherish  an  ardent  thirst 
for  knowledge.  Aim  high  ;  not  on  the  scale  of  ho- 
nour ;  but  in  the  attainment  of  furniture  with  which 
to  serve  your  Master.  Resolve,  if  Providence  per- 
mit, to  be  "  a  workman  that  shall  not  need  to  be 
ashamed."  Account  no  labour  too  great  that  may 
be  necessary  for  gaining  your  object.  Then,  and 
only  then,  can  you  hope  to  study  to  much  purpose. 

2.   You  will  never  study  Theology  to  advantage^ 

UNLESS  YOU  CHERISH  A  PECULIAR  AND  DEVOTED  AT- 
TACHMENT TO  THE  OFFICE  WHICH  YOU  SEEK.       YoU 

profess  to  have  chosen  the  profession  of  a  minister 
of  the  gospel,  because  you  deliberately  prefer  it  to 
every  other.  And  in  this  profession  I  hope  you  are 
sincere.  But  this  is  not  enough.  You  ought  not  on- 
ly deliberately  to  prefer  it;  but  to  cultivate  for  it,  ha- 


LETTERS    ON    CLERICAL    MANNERS,  223l 

bitually,  an  ardent  love  ;  a  ruling  passion ;  an  attach* 
ment  of  the  fondest  and  most  heartfelt  kind.  If  there 
be  a  profession  in  the  world  which  is  worthy  of  draw- 
ing forth,  every  hour,  all  the  strongest  and  most  ele- 
vated affections  of  the  soul,  the  ministry  of  reconcili^ 
ation  is  surely  that  profession.  On  this  subject  I  can- 
not forbear  to  transcribe  a  short  passage  from  a  ser- 
mon by  the  most  able  and  eloquent  Preacher  now  in 
England.  "  How  high  and  awful  a  function  is  that 
whicn  proposes  to  establish  in  the  soul  an  interior  do- 
minion ;  to  illuminate  its  powers  by  a  celestial  light : 
and  introduce  it  to  an  intimate,  ineffable  and  unchang- 
ing alliance  with  the  Father  of  Spirits ! — The  mo- 
ment we  permit  ourselves  to  think  lightly  of  the  Chris- 
tian Ministry,  our  right  arm  is  withered  ;  nothing  but 
imbecility  and  relaxation  remains.  For  no  man  ever 
excelled  in  a  profession  to  which  he  did  not  feel  an 
attachment  bordering  on  enthusiasm  :  though  what  in 
other  professions  is  enthusiasm,  is,  in  ours,  the  dic- 
tate of  sobriety  and  truth."* 

If  you  have  not  learned,  my  young  friend,  the  pre- 
cious art  of  pursuing  your  professional  studies,  not  on- 
ly with  a  deep  sense  of  their  importance;  but,  as  the 
Italians  say,  con  amove :  if  they  do  not  form  the  pur- 
suit in  which  your  heart  delights,  for  its  own  sake,  and 
more  especially  for  the  sake  of  its  blessed  end;  your 
attainments  will  be  tardy  and  imperfect.  Be  it  your 
care,  then,  daily  to  nurture  in  your  soul  this  attach- 

*  Rev.  Robert  Hall. — Sermon  07i  the  Discouragements 
and  Supports  qftke  Christian  Minist7'y. 


^24  LETTERS    OH   CLERICAL    MANNERS. 

ment,  this  ardent  delight ;  to  enter  nniore  and  more 
into  the  sweetness  of  that  knowledge  which  is  to  be 
so  nobly  employed  ;  into  the  preciousness  of  that  pro- 
fession, the  object  of  which  is  the  highest  in  the  uni- 
verse. Let  men  in  secular  professions  toil  for  "  the 
dust  of  wealth,"  or  the  "  vapour  of  fame."  The  pro- 
fession for  which  ^ou  are  preparing,  carries  with  it, 
more  than  any  other  on  this  side  of  heaven,  its  own 
reward.  While  it  promotes  the  real  welfare  of  men, 
and  the  glory  of  God,  it  purities,  enriches,  and  ele- 
vates the  labourer  himself,  making  him  twice  blest ; 
blest  in  giving,  and  blest  in  receving.  Methinks,  if 
you  have  a  particle  of  the  spirit  of  Christ  in  your  bo- 
som, it  will  be  more  or  less  kindled  into  a  flame  of  ho- 
ly pleasure  in  sitting  down  to  studies  of  such  a  char- 
acter. 

3.  Strive  to  acquire  the  habit  of  close  and 
FIXED  attention  IN  STUDY.  I  kuow  not  a  more  fa- 
tal defect  in  a  student,  than  the  want  of  this  habit.  He 
who  has  not  learned  the  art  of  fastening  his  mind  on  a 
subject,  and  of  holding  that  subject  strictly  and  firm- 
ly before  it,  will  never  look  deeply  into  any  thing  ; 
will  never  accomphsh  any  thing  which  deserves  the 
name  of  investigation.  It  is  generally  known,  that,  to 
the  possession  of  this  power,  Sir  Isaac  Newton  as- 
cribed all  his  attainments  in  science.  If  you  do  not 
already  possess  the  precious  faculty  in  question,  try 
to  attain  it.  If  you  fail  at  one  time,  be  not  discoura- 
ged. Try  again  and  again.  It  is  richly  worth  all  the 
agony  of  effort  that  you  can  possibly  make  for  its  ac- 
quirement.     Make  incessant  efforts,  then,  until  you 


LETTERS    ON    CLEEICAL    MANNERS.  225 

succeed,  to  summon  your  powers  to  concentrated  ac- 
tion; to  shut  out,  at  pleasure,  all  extraneous  objects : 
to  go  from  step  to  step  without  interruption  ;  and  to 
keep  fast  hold  of  the  thread  which  you  first  seize  un« 
til  you  trace  it  to  the  end.  From  the  moment  that 
you  open  a  book,  or  take  your  pen  in  hand,  give  un- 
divided attention  to  what  you  are  about,  until  you 
close  the  one,  or  lay  down  the  other. 

4.  Endeavour  habitually  to  study  with  a  de- 
vout SPIRIT.  By  this  I  mean  that  you  endeavour  al- 
ways to  study  under  the  deep  impression,  that  the  sub- 
jects, which  you  are  engaged  in  examining,  are  sacred 
subjects,  and  the  knowledge  which  you  are  labouring 
to  acquire,  is  consecrated  knowledge  ;  that  the  great 
and  the  only  proper  end  of  all,  is  practical  usefulness, 
in  promoting  the  glory  of  God,  and  the  welfare  of 
men ;  and  that  for  all  your  privileges  and  opportuni- 
ties, you  are  hastening  to  a  solemn  account.  The 
motto  of  an  old  Spanish  Catholick  divine — Ocuhts 
ad  Scopum — ought  to  be  continually  fixed  in  your 
mind.  Such  impressions  will  give  you  a  deeper  in- 
terest in  your  studies  ;  will  promote  diligence  in  them: 
will  serve  to  fix  that  which  you  acquire  more  firmly 
in  your  mind  ;  and  will  prevent  your  wasting  your 
time  in  frivolous  pursuits.  O  my  young  Friend,  if  ev- 
ery hour  spent  in  your  study,  were  spent  under  the 
practical  recollection,  that  you  are  not  your  own  ; 
that  the  eye  of  your  Master  is  upon  you  ;  and  that 
every  mental  effort  may  be  considered  as  a  seed  of  eter- 
nity, both  with  regard  to  yourself  and  others; — with 
what  fixedness  and  solemnity  of  spirit  would  youv 
studies  be  conducted ! 


226  LETTERS    ON    CLERICAL    MANNERS. 

5.  Constantly  implore  the  aid  of  the  Holv 
Spirit  in  study.  The  duty  of  humbly  and  impor- 
tunately asking  the  blessed  Spirit's  influence,  to 
sanctify  our  affections,  and  to  aid  us  in  cultivating 
all  the  graces  and  virtues  of  the  christian  life,  will  not, 
I  suppose,  be  disputed  by  any  one  who  has  the  small- 
est tincture  of  piety.  But  I  fear  it  is  not  so  univer- 
sally recognised,  even  by  pious  students,  that  the 
same  gracious  aid  ought  to  be  solicited  and  expect- 
ed, in  all  intellectual  culture,  and  in  all  investigation 
of  truth.  Is  it  either  unreasonable  or  unscriptural  to 
believe,  that  the  Spirit  of  God  can,  and  often  does, 
enlarge  and  invigorate  the  intellectual  faculties,  ex- 
tend the  scope  of  their  vision,  and  give  them  deeper 
and  clearer  views  than  without  this  aid  they  could 
have  taken  ?  It  were,  it  seems  to  me,  a  species  of 
atheism  to  doubt  it.  "  Think  with  yourself  how 
easily  and  how  insensibly,  by  one  turn  of  thought, 
the  Father  of  lights  can  lead  you  into  a  large  scene 
of  useful  ideas.  He  can  teach  you  to  lay  hold  on  a 
clew  which  may  guide  your  thoughts  with  safety 
and  ease  through  all  the  difficulties  of  an  intricate 
subject.  By  his  secret  and  supreme  government,  he 
can  draw  you  to  read  such  a  treatise,  or  converse 
with  such  a  person,  who  may  give  you  more  light  in- 
to some  deep  subject  in  an  hour,  than  you  could  ob- 
tain by  a  month  of  your  own  solitary  labour."*  You 
remember,  I  presume,  that  Milton^  in  preparing  to 
enter  on  the  composition  of  the  Paradise  Lost^  rc- 

*  Watts'  Improvement  of  the  Mind,  chap.  1. 


LETTERS   ON   CLERICAL  MANNERS.  227 

cognised,  in  the  most  explicit  manner,  his  desire  and 
expectation  of  the  divine  help  of  which  I  speak, 
"  This  is  not  to  be  obtained,"  says  he,  "but  by  de- 
vout prayer  to  that  Eternal  Spirit  that  can  enrich 
with  all  utterance  and  knowledge,  and  sends  out  his 
seraphim  with  the  hallowed  fire  of  his  altar,  to  touch 
and  purify  the  lips  of  whom  he  pleases."  Did  the 
poet  speak  thus  of  his  work  ?  And  shall  the  divine, 
or  the  candidate  for  the  sacred  office,  hesitate  to 
adopt  similar  language  concerning  his  infinitely  mo- 
mentous inquiries  and  employments  ?  Nay,  did  even 
heathen  poets  frequently  begin  their  compositions 
by  invoking  the  aid  of  their  fancied  deities  ;  and 
shall  christian  ministers,  who  know  that  they  have 
an  omniscient  and  omnipresent  God,  who  is  "  able 
and  ready  to  help,"  neglect  to  apply  day  by  day,  for 
that  help  ?  If  you  wish,  then,  to  investigate  profound- 
ly and  profitably  ;  if  you  desire  to  avoid  the  deplo- 
rable delusions  into  which  others  have  fallen,  and  to 
be  preserved  from  that  pride  and  presumption  of  in- 
tellect which  have  ensnared  some  of  the  greatest 
men  that  ever  lived;  "pray  without  ceasing,"  that 
the  Spirit  of  all  grace  may  enlighten  your  mind  ; 
may  strengthen  all  its  powers  ;  may  inspire  you  with 
wisdom  and  discernment ;  and  may  deliver  you,  in 
your  search  after  truth,  from  the  influence  of  that 
pride,  vanity,  prejudice,  bigotry,  and  passion,  which 
are  so  apt  to  Wind  the  perceptive  faculties,  and  con- 
trol the  judgments,  even  of  good  men.  Especially 
do  this,  with  more  than  usual  care  and  solemnity, 
when  you  are  entering  on  a  new  study,  or  engaging 


228  LETTERS   ON    CLERICAL    MANNERS. 

in  the  perusal  of  a  new  book.  Does  every  christiafi 
implore  the  blessing  of  God  when  he  sits  down  to  a 
social  meal  ?  And  can  a  christian  student  sit  down 
to  an  intellectual  feast,  or  effort,  without  importu- 
nately asking  of  Him  who  gave  him  his  mind,  and 
supports  it  every  moment  in  exercise,  to  preside 
over  all  its  operations,  and  to  crown  them  with  his 
abundant  blessing? 

6.  Never  imagine  that  any  valuable  amount  of 
knowledge,  and  especially  of  accurate  knowledge,  is 
to  be  obtained  without  labour, — and  much  la- 
bour. I  do  not  forget  that  you  have  a  mind,  to  a 
very  respectable  degree,  vigorous  and  active.  But, 
notwithstanding  this,  rely  upon  it,  if  you  will  not 
consent  to  apply  yourself  to  the  acquisition  of  know- 
ledge, laboriously,  patiently,  and  indefatigably^ 
you  will  never  attain  much.  I  have  directed  close 
attention  to  this  subject,  ever  since  my  connexion 
with  the  Seminary ;  and  the  result,  without  one  so- 
litary exception  is,  that  I  never  knew  an  individual 
gain  any  considerable  mass  of  really  digested  and 
valuable  knowledge,  without  unwearied  industry. 
The  maxim,  MsXstv]  to  *av,  of  Periander,  the  old 
Grecian  sage,  is  worth  its  weight  in  gold.  Patient 
application  is,  literally,  every  thing.  Without  it, 
you  may  have  a  number  of  half-formed  ideas  float- 
ing in  your  mind ;  but  deep,  connected,  large  and 
consistent  views  of  any  subject,  you  will  never  gain. 

But  in  relation  to  this  point,  1  suspect  there  is  a 
very  prevalent  error.  It  is,  that  these  deep  views 
of  particular  subjects,  are  to  be  obtained  by  one,  or 


LETTERS    ON    CLERICAL    MANNERS*  229 

a  few  mighty  efforts.  Be  assured,  whatever  may  be 
the  case  with  a  rare  genius,  now  and  then,  it  is,  com- 
monly, not  so.  The  old  French  proverb,  "  Pas  d 
pas  on  va  Men  loin,^^  i.  e.  "  Step  by  step  one  goes 
very  far,"  atfbrds  the  real  clew  to  the  proper  course. 
A  mountain  is  not  to  be  passed  at  a  single  leap  ;  nor 
a  deep  and  rich  mine  to  be  explored  by  a  single 
stroke  of  the  spade.  But  a  sufficient  number  of 
slow,  cautious,  patient  efforts,  will  accomplish  the 
enterprise.  So  it  is  in  study.  Impatient  haste  is 
the  bane  of  deep  intellectual  work.  A  little,  tho- 
roughly done,  every  day,  will  make  no  contemptible 
figure  at  the  end  of  the  year.  If  I  could  be  sure  of 
your  entering  completely  into  the  spirit  of  this  prin- 
ciple, I  should  have  no  doubt  of  your  accomplishing 
much. 

7.  Closely  connected  with  this  counsel  is  another, 

viz. THAT  YOU  LEAVE  NOTHING  TILL  YOU  HAVE 

DONE  IT  WELL.  Skimming  over  the  surface  of  any 
subject  is  of  very  little  use.  Passing  on  to  something 
else,  before  that  which  precedes  is  half  understood, 
is  really,  oftentimes,  worse  than  useless ;  because  it 
deceives  with  the  name  of  knowledge;  and  because 
it  deposites  in  the  memory,  if  there  be  a  deposite 
made  there  at  all,  mere  abortions,  instead  of  mature 
births.  The  instances  in  which  young  men,  and 
even  candidates  for  the  holy  ministry,  cheat  them- 
selves by  indulging  in  this  practice,  by  running  over 
a  task,  as  eye-servants  are  wont  to  do,  without  per- 
forming any  part  of  it  well,  are  as  numerous  as  they 
are  melancholy.     My  dear  friend,  be  not  thus  unjust 


230  LETTERS    ON    CLERICAL    MANNERS. 

to  yourself.  It  is  your  own  interest  for  which  I 
plead.  If  you  are  studying  a  language^  be  careful 
to  sift  to  the  bottom  the  grammatical  character,  as 
well  as  the  strict  meaning  of  every  word,  before  you 
proceed  to  another.  If  you  have  occasion  to  ascer- 
tain the  time  or  place  of  any  particular  events  be 
sure  to  examine  instantly  and  thoroughly,  and  en- 
deavour to  form  some  plan  for  fixing  it  firmly  in 
your  mind.  If  you  are  investigating  any  important 
doctrine^  be  not  ready  to  leave  it.  Come  to  it  again 
and  again  ;  seeking  light  from  every  quarter  ;  and 
perusing  with  attention  the  best  books,  until  you 
have  entered,  as  far  as  you  are  capable,  into  its  pro- 
foundest  merits.  And  if  compelled,  by  any  circum- 
stance, to  leave  the  subject  before  you  have  reach- 
ed this  point,  hold  it  in  reserve  for  another  and  more 
satisfactory  examination.  In  short,  let  your  motto, 
and,  as  far  as  practicable,  your  habit,  be,  to  leave 
nothing  till  you  have  thoroughly  mastered  it. 
And  by  mastering  a  subject,  I  mean  investigating 
it  to  the  bottom,  until  you  come  to  a  clear  view  of 
the  fundamental  principles  on  which  it  rests.  For, 
until  you  do  this,  you  cannot  really  be  said  to  under- 
stand any  subject.  On  this  point,  Mr.  Locke^  in  his 
"  Conduct  of  the  Understanding,"  (§  43)  makes  a  re- 
mark which  I  think  worth  transcribing.  "  There- 
are  fundamental  truths,  which  lie  at  the  bottom,  the 
basis  upon  which  a  great  many  others  rest,  and  in 
which  they  have  their  consistency.  These  are  teem- 
ing truths,  rich  in  store,  with  which  they  furnish  the 
mind,  and,  like  the  lights  of  heaven,  are  not  only 


LETTERS    ON    CLERICAL    MANNERS.  231 

beautiful  and  entertaining  in  themselves,  but  give 
light  and  evidence  to  other  things,  that  without  them 

could  not  be  seen  or  known These,  and  such  as 

these,  are  the  truths  we  should  endeavour  to  find 
out,  and  store  our  minds  with." 

8.  With  respect  to  all  important  subjects,  1  would 
advise  you   to    bring    your   acquaintance  witfi 

THEM    TO    THE    TEST    OF    WRITING.       It  IS  WOndcrful 

how  far  the  crudeness  and  inadequacy  of  a  man's 
knowledge  on  a  given  subject,  may  be  hidden  from 
his  own  mind,  until  he  attempts  to  express  what  he 
knows  on  paper.  He  then  finds  himself  at  a  loss  at 
every  step,  and  cannot  proceed  without  much  exten- 
sion, and  no  less  correction,  of  his  former  attain- 
ments. Nay,  sometimes  he  finds  that  he  must  begin 
again,  from  the  very  foundation,  and  that  he  has  not 
really  mastered  any  part  of  the  subject.  Now  to 
obviate  this  difficulty  from  the  outset,  in  studying 
every  subject  in  which  it  is  practicable,  make  a  libe- 
ral use  of  your  pen.  I  believe,  indeed,  that  one  of 
the  best  methods  of  becoming  accurately  and  fami- 
liarly acquainted  with  any  subject,  is  to  write  upon 
it.  It  was  said  of  one  of  the  most  voluminous  wri- 
ters of  the  eighteenth  century,  that,  whenever  he 
wished  to  make  himself  well  acquainted  with  any 
branch  of  knowledge,  he  wrote  and  published  a 
book  upon  it.  In  ivriting^  he  was  undoubtedly  wise  : 
in  publishing^  it  may  be  questioned  whether  he 
treated  the  republick  of  letters  with  as  much  respect 
as  he  ought.  It  was,  in  fact,  palming  upon  it  the 
immature  productions  of  a  tyro,  rather  than  those  of 


232  LETTERS    ON    CLERICAL    MANNERS. 

a  master  workman.  But  without  giving  the  least 
countenance  to  the  thou>^'ht  of  imposing  your  juve- 
nile hicubrations  on  the  pubhck  ;  I  would  earnestly 
advise  you  to  employ  writings  as  far  as  may  be  con- 
sistent with  your  health,  and  other  engagements,  as 
a  constant  medium  of  investigation.  I  would  say, 
with  the  learned  and  pious  Dr.  Jidam  Clarke^  in 
his  "  Letter  to  a  Methodist  preacher,"  before  quo- 
ted, "  Have  always  some  essay  or  dissertation  upon 
the  anvil."  And  I  will  add,  if  no  other  eye  than 
your  own  ever  see  it,  the  labour  bestowed  upon  it 
will  certainly  be  more  than  repaid  by  its  benefit  to 
yourself. 

9.  In  investigating  the  fundamental  doctrines  of 
Theology,  le  i-  the  testimony  of  Scripture  hold 
THE  riRST  PLACE.  With  many,  the  order  of  pro- 
ceeding is  entirely  diiferent.  The  first  thing  they 
study  is  the  systematick  work  of  some  favourite  au- 
thor. Having  done  this,  they  resort  to  the  Scrip- 
tures rather  to  confirm  his  statements,  than  to  bring 
them  to  the  test  of  the  only  infallible  standard.  Their 
minds  are  made  up  before  they  come  to  what  ought 
to  be  the  most  decisive  point  of  the  inquiry.  I  hope 
you  will  never  allow  this  to  be  your  course  of  pro- 
ceeding. When  you  arc  about  to  examine  the  cor- 
rectness of  a  particular  doctrine,  approach  it  rather 
as  a  detached  subject^  to  be  scrutinized  from  the 
very  foundation,  than  as  a  settled  article  of  ortho- 
dox belief.  First  of  all,  collect,  arrange,  and  weigh 
the  principal  passages  of  scripture  which  appear  to 
bear  on  the  doctrine  in  question.    Having  done  this, 


LETTERS    ON    CLERICAL    MANNERS.  233 

as  thoroughly  and  impartially  as  you  are  able,  let 
your  next  step  be  to  read  with  care  the  best  works 
which  have  been  written  on  the  subject,  both  for 
and  against  what  is  deemed  the  orthodox  opinion. 
It  is  not  only  the  duty  of  a  theological  student,  as 
an  humble  and  sincere  inquirer  after  truth,  to  do  full 
justice  to  all  the  reasonings  of  its  opponents ;  but  it 
is  no  less  his  policy^  as  a  teacher  of  others,  to  en- 
tleavour  to  go  to  the  bottom  of  the  most  powerful 
arguments  which  are  brought  against  his  own  creed, 
that  he  may  be  able  effectually  to  expose  their  er- 
ror, and  to  establish  the  truth  as  it  is  in  Jesus.  He 
who  has  studied  only  one  side  of  any  question,  even 
though  that  be  the  right  side,  is  by  no  means  quali- 
fied to  meet  and  vanquish  the  enemies  of  his  Master. 

10.  Carefully  maintain  order  in  study.  He  who 
does  not  study  upon  a  plan,  will  never  pursue  his 
studies  to  much  advantage.  In  our  seminary,  indeed, 
order  is  absolutely  indispensable,  if  you  would  do  any 
thing ;  for  there  is  an  order  in  all  the  publick  exer- 
cises, to  which  every  student  is  bound  to  adhere,  and 
without  a  substantial  adherence  to  which,  he  had  bet- 
ter be  absent  from  the  Institution.  Have  a  fixed 
time,  then,  for  every  study  ;  and,  as  far  as  practica- 
ble, adhere  to  it  inflexibly.  I  say,  as  far  2Jr> practical 
hie  ;  for  there  is  such  a  thing  as  a  student's  making 
himself  the  slave  of  his  plan,  instead  of  using  it  as  an 
auxiliary.  He  may  erect  it  into  an  end,  instead  of 
employing  it  as  a  means.  His  plans  were  made  for 
liim,  and  not  he  for  his  plans.  Let  your  plan  of  stu- 
dy, therefore,  be,  at  all  times,  judicious,  practicable, 

u  2 


234  LETTERS    ON   CLERICAL   MzVNNERS. 

and  adapted  to  your  situation  ;  such  as  you  will  not 
be  compelled  frequently  to  violate.  Do  not  be  per- 
petually altering  it ;  and  yet  accommodate  it,  from 
time  to  time,  to  your  situation.  If  you  either  alter  it, 
or  depart  from  it,  very  frequently,  it  will  soon  cease 
to  have  any  power  over  you.  And  here,  as  in  many 
other  cases,  you  will  have  occasion  for  all  that  deci- 
sion OF  CHARACTER,  which  is  SO  important  in  a  pub- 
lick  man.  I  could  almost  venture  to  prognosticate 
whether  you  would  do  much  to  purpose  in  future  hfe, 
if  I  only  knew  with  what  degree  of  rigour  you  adhere 
to  your  plan  of  study.  If  you  are  unsteady  and  un- 
decided in  regard  to  this,  you  will  probably  be  so  in 
every  important  occupation  as  long  as  you  live. 

1 1.  Let  your  most  important  studies  be  assigned  to 
those  hours  in  which  you  perceive  your  mind  to 

BE  in  a.  state  most  FAVOURABLE  TO  EXERTION.      No 

one  rule  can  be  laid  down  which  will  suit  all.  The 
tastes  of  different  individuals  with  respect  to  sea- 
sons of  study,  are  as  different  as  their  tastes  with  re- 
gard to  articles  of  food ;  and  the  former  must,  to  a 
certain  degree,  like  the  latter,  be  indulged.  With 
some,  the  best  hours  for  study  are  very  early  in  the 
morning ;  with  others  in  the  forenoon ;  and  with  a 
third  class,  during  the  retirement  and  stillness  of 
the  evening.  If  there  be  a  material  difference  with 
you,  ascertain  it,  by  a  fair  and  thorough  experiment, 
and  distribute  your  time  accordingly.  Carefully  con- 
sult the  powers  and  bias  of  your  own  mind,  and  you 
cannot  be  much  at  a  loss  about  the  proper  distribu- 
tion. 


LE'TTERS   ON    fJLEEICAL    MANNERS.  235 

12.  Let  the  proportion  op  time  assigned  to 

EACH  study,  be  DETERMINED  BY  ITS  RELATIVE  IM- 
PORTANCE. This  couijsel  is  so  obvious,  and  so  weigh- 
ty that  neither  illustration  nor  enforcement  can  be 
necessary.  To  a  Divine,  every  one  sees  that  the  stu- 
dy of  the  Bible,  and  of  Didactick  and  Polemick 
Theology,  is* most  essentia!.  But  how  often  are 
these  postponed  to  studies  of  far  less  moment ! 

13.  Do  not  embrace  too  much  in  your  plan  of 
study.  Some  diversity  of  objects  in  a  course  of  stu- 
dy is  desirable.  Variety  relieves  and  refreshes  the 
mind.  But  where  the  number  of  departments  is  so  great 
as  todistract,and  to  keep  up  a  constant  fever  of  pursuit, 
the  effect  cannot  fail  of  being  unfavourable.  To  how 
many  studies  you  may  with  advantage  attend,  in  a 
single  day,  or  week,  depends  so  much  on  the  circum- 
stances in  which  the  student  is  placed,  and  the  pe- 
culiarity of  his  mind,  that  no  other  general  rule  can 
be  laid  down  than  this,  viz.  that  no  one  ought  to  un- 
dertake more  than  he  can  accompHsh  without  hurry, 
perturbation,  or  fatigue. 

14.  Let  EVEN  your  light  reading  be  such  as 
shall  exert  a  favourable  influence  on  your 
professional  studies,  a  candidate  for  the  sacred 
office,  and  even  he  who  already  fills  that  office,  must 
have,  and  ought  to  have,  his  light  reading  ;  that  is, 
a  kind  of  reading,  which,  while  it  is  really  calculated 
to  enlarge,  enlighten  and  polish  the  mind,  does  not 
require  the  same  severe  application  with  many  of  the 
more  important  subjects  and  books  of  study.  Works 
of  imagination,  taste  and  entertainment,  belong,  of 


236  LETTERS   ON    CLERICAL    MANNERS, 

course,  to  this  class.  If  you  had  thne  enough,  with- 
out neglecting  better  things,  I  should  say,  read  all  the 
first  rate  works  of  this  class  that  you  can  obtain.  But 
you  have  not  time.  Life  is  short;  and  duties  far 
more  momentous,  both  of  study  and  of  action,  de- 
mand the  much  larger  portion  of  your  attention.  You 
must,  therefore,  be  content  with  a  -selection^  and 
even  a  small  selection^  from  the  first  rate  list.  Now, 
my  advice  is,  that  this  selection  be  made  with  a  sa- 
cred reference  to  its  bearing  on  your  professional 
studies.  Let  your  choice  fall  on  such  works  as  those 
of  Shakspeare^  Miltov^  %ddcLison,  Pope,  Young, 
Thompson,  Cowper,  Johnson,  &;c. ;  and  also  on  the 
best  productions  ofthe  class  oi biography  and  travels. 
These,  while  they  relax  and  refresh  the  mind,  wea- 
ried by  severe  application,  tend  to  till  it  with  noble 
sentiments ;  to  make  it  familiar  with  the  most  mas- 
terly diction  ;  and  to  furnish  that  kind  of  information 
which  may  be  every  day  brought  to  bear  upon  the  du- 
ties ofthe  sacred  office.  Whereas  some  other  works, 
nearly  as  powerful  in  conception,  and  fascinating  in 
style,  abound  in  images  and  a  spirit,  which  the  less 
they  are  known,  or  the  sooner  they  are  forgotten,  by 
a  minister  ofthe  gospel,  the  better  it  will  be  for  his 
heart,  if  not  also  for  his  head. 

15.  I  w^ould  advise  you  to  exclude  novels  from 

VOUR    LIGHT     READING    ALTOGETHER.       I    thrOW  tllis 

counsel  into  a  separate  section,  for  the  purpose  of 
making  it  more  emphatical.  There  have  been  min- 
isters who  were,  habitually,  among  the  most  devoted 
readers  of  Novels  to  be  found.     But  I  hardly  need 


LETTERS  ON  CLERICAL  MANNERS.     237 

say,  that  they  were  not,  in  general,  the  most  diligent 
and  exemplary  in  the  discharge  of  their  parochial  du- 
ties. I  am  not  insensible  of  the  powerful  talents  and 
fascination  displayed  in  many  of  the  first  class  of 
novels.  But  on  this  very  account,  as  well  as  others, 
I  would  banish  them  from  the  study  of  a  gospel  min- 
ister. I  consider  them  as  an  article,  which,  like  to- 
bacco, and  ardent  spit  its,  if  a  man  use  at  all,  he 
will  probably  be  tempted  to  use  excessively.  And, 
therefore,  I  would  say.  Touch  not,  taste  not,  han- 
dle not.  No  one,  however  grave  his  character  or 
pursuits,  if  he  once  give  way  to  this  sort  of  reading* 
can  ever  be  sure  that  he  will  not  go  to  excess :  and 
every  man  who  abounds  in  novel  reading,  even 
though  he  be  a  clergyman,  willsuifer  both  intellectual 
and  moral  injury  of  no  trivial  import. 

16.  Never  pass  a  day,  if  you  can  avoid  it,  to  the 
end  of  life,  without  reading  more  or  less  of  La- 
tin, Greek,  and  Hebrew.  You  will  scarcely  be- 
lieve, Tv'iihout  having  made  the  experiment,  how  lit- 
tle time  bestowed  on  this  object,  every  day,  will 
keep  up,  and  insensibly  extend,  a  very  comfortable 
degree  of  acquaintance  with  the  languages  which  I 
have  mentioned.  After  you  quit  the  Seminary,  and 
indeed  after  the  second  year  of  your  residence  in  it, 
you  will  probably  cease  to  bestow  any  formal  or 
long-continued  attention,  at  any  one  time,  on  this 
object.  The  consequence  will  be,  unless  you  adopt 
the  plan  which  I  now  recommend,  that,  in  a  short 
time,  you  will  become  rusty  in  these  languages. 
But  if,  from  the  time  that  you  cease  to  attend  to 


-2^  LETTERS    ON    CLERICAL    MANNERS. 

them  every  day  as  a  task,  you  make  a  point  of  read- 
ing, if  it  be  only  two  or  three  sentences  of  each  lan- 
guage, with  strict  accuracy,  daily,  the  result  cannot 
fail  of  being  greatly  to  your  advantage.  For  this 
purpose,  assign  some  time  when  you  can  with  most 
certainty  calculate  on  freedom  from  interruption. 
A  few  minutes  at  a  time,  well  husbanded,  will  suf- 
fice. You  will  not  ask  me,  I  am  sure,  of  what  solid 
use  a  familiarity  with  these  languages  will  be  to  you  ? 
If  I  thought  a  theological  student  capable  of  enter- 
taining a  doubt  as  to  this  point,  I  should  really  con- 
sider his  under'iiaiiduig  as  manifesting  too  much 
weakness  or  obhquity  to  be  a  proper  object  of  rea- 
soning. 

17.    Be  A  CLOSE  STUDENT    THROUGH    LIFE.       It  is 

as  wonderful  as  it  is  humiliating,  how  entirely  habits 
of  study  are  abandoned  by  many  clerical  men,  almost 
as  soon  as  what  may  be  called  their  initiatory  course 
is  closed.  From  that  time,  they  seem  to  think  it 
sufficient,  if  they  read  and  think  enough,  each  week^ 
to  address  their  people  twice  from  the  pulpit,  on  the 
sabbath,  in  a  common-place  way.  Thenceforward 
they  make  no  solid  addition  to  their  stock  of  know- 
ledge. Their  minds  become  lean  and  inactive.  In- 
stead of  causing  "  their  profiting  to  appear  unto  all," 
every  time  they  enter  the  sacred  desk,  they  become 
more  and  more  jejune  and  uninteresting.  With  the 
habit,  they  lose  all  taste  for  study.  Their  leisure 
hours  are  spent  in  worldly  cares,  or  in  gossippin'g. 
rather  than  among  their  books.  They  invite  pre- 
mature intellectual  torpor  and  debility.    They  cease 


LETTERS  ON  CLERICAL  MANNERS.      239 

to  instruct  their  hearers.  And  soon  become  a  dead 
weight,  instead  of  a  comfort  and  a  blessing  to  their 
congregations.  Such  is  the  history  of  many  a  minis- 
ter who  had  good  natural  talents ;  and  concerning 
whom  the  expectations  of  his  friends  were  raised ; 
but  who  could  never  be  persuaded  to  love  study. 
Rely  upon  it,  no  minister  will  ever  be,  for  any  length 
of  time  together,  really  acceptable  and  popular  as 
a  preacher,  who  is  not  a  constant  and  diligent  stu- 
dent ;  and  who  does  not  "  feed  his  hearers  with 
knowledge  and  with  understanding."  Keep  up  this 
habit  with  unabated  vigour  even  to  extreme  old  age^ 
-if  you  shall  ever  reach  it.  Strength  of  mind  is  pro- 
moted and  retained  by  nothing  so  much  as  i:iersever* 
ing  exercise.  Many  judges,  and  other  secular  men, 
retain  their  intellectual  powers,  unim^paired,  to  the 
age  of  seventy.,  or  even  later.  But  the  mass  of  min- 
isters, 2i^iev  Jiffy-five.,  make  no  more  mental  efforts  ; 
preach  over  their  old  sermons  ;  and  study  little.  The 
consequence  is,  that,  at  sixty,  they  are  commonly 
beginning  very  perceptibly  to  decline  in  intellectual 
vigour,  and  sometimes  greatly  to  the  injury  of  the 
cause  of  rehgion. 

Make  a  point,  then,  of  being  a  ''•  hard  student"  as 
long  as  you  live.  Keep  up  the  habit  of  reading 
much,  reflecting  much,  and  writing  much,  as  long 
as  you  have  strength  enough  to  open  a  book,  or 
wield  a  pen.  Content  not  yourself  with  merely  that 
kind  of  study  which  will  qualify  you  to  prepare  your 
sermons  with  success ;  but  let  your  constant  aim  be 
to  make  rich  and  solid  additions  to  your  stores  of 


240  LETTERS    ON    CLERICAL    MANNERS. 

professional  knowledge.  For  this  purpose,  constant- 
ly keep  under  perusal  some  great  standard  work. 
And  never  consider  yourself  as  having  gotten  through 
a  year  well,  unless  you  have  carefully  read  seven  or 
eight  such  works,  in  addition  to  all  your  other  studies. 
This  will  render  your  sermonizing  more  easy  and 
delightful  to  yourself,  and  more  profitable  to  others. 
It  wil)  keep  up  the  activity  and  tone  of  your  mind. 
2t  will  avert  premature  dotage ;  and  better  quahfy 
you,  in  every  respect,  to  do  your  Master's  work. 
18.  Do  not,  however,  confine  yourself  to  the 

PERUSAL  OF  BOOKS  STRICTLY  PROFESSIONAL.   Eu- 

deavour,  as  far  as  practicable,  to  keep  pace  with  the 
current  literature  of  the  day,  by  reading  the  most 
important  new  books  which  appear.  Be  careful, 
also,  to  maintain  a  constant  familiarity  with  your 
College-studies.  There  is  a  shameful  negligence  on 
the  part  of  many  young  clergymen  as  to  this  matter. 
If  you  live,  you  will  probable  be,  one  day,  a  Trustee, 
or  a  Visiter  of  some  College  or  Academy ;  and  you 
may  often  be  called  upon  to  examine  students  on  all 
the  branches  of  knowledge  taught  in  those  institu- 
tions. And  will  you  not  disgrace  yourself,  if  you 
shall  have  become  so  rusty  in  those  studies  as  to  be 
wholly  unable  to  do  it,  or  to  do  it  in  a  very  bungling 
and  inadequate  manner?  Besides  ;  you  know  not  to 
what  station  God  in  his  providence  may  call  you. 
It  is  the  part  of  a  wise  man  to  be  prepared  for  any 
one.  During  a  considerable  part  of  the  eighteenth 
century,  in  the  days  of  Dickinson^  Burr,  Edwards^ 
Davies,  Finley^  Ewing,  Allison,  Wilson,  With 


LETTERS   ON  CLERICAL   MANNERS.  241 

€rspoon,  Nisbet^  Smithy  Macwhorter^  and  a  num» 
ber  of  others  who  might  be  mentioned,  we  had  a  very 
honourable  proportion  of  ministers  in  our  church, 
whose  classical  and  scientifick  attainments,  and  ge- 
neral literature  were  so  rich  and  mature,  that  they 
were  well  qualified  for  the  highest  literary  as  well 
as  ecclesiastical  stations  ;  and  acted  as  conservators 
of  hterature  in  their  respective  neighbourhoods. 
Whether  we  have  as  many  now,  in  proportion  to 
our  numbers,  who  are  thus  qualified,  I  will  not  at 
present  decide.  But  do  what  in  you  lies,  that  the 
Church  may  have  one  such  individual  in  yourself. 

19.  Always   have  some    reading,   or  some  other 
intellectual  employment,    to  fill  up  the   small 

SPACES  OF  TIME  WHICH    WOULD  OTHERWISE  BE  LOST, 

To  the  man  of  real  wisdom,  every  moment  is  precious. 
To  waste  even  single  minutes,  therefore,  appears  to 
him  unspeakably  more  foolish  than  throwing  away 
gold.  Yet,  in  the  lives  of  the  mosr  industrious,  many 
minutes  will  occur,  in  the  course  of  every  day,  which 
must  inevitably  be  wasted,  unless  some  expedient  be 
adopted  to  furnish  means  for  filling  up  every  vacant 
moment,  however  unexpectedly  it  may  occur.  For 
this  purpose,  I  would  advise  you  always  to  carry  a 
Bible  in  your  pocket,  and  some  other  portable  book 
of  value,  which  may  be  taken  up  for  a  iew  moments, 
wherever  you  may  happen  to  be,  and  laid  down  again 
without  material  disadvantage.  And  when  you  go 
from  home,  always  take  with  you  books  enough,  and 
of  the  proper  character,  for  the  profitable  employment 
of  your  time,  while  waiting  at  taverns,  or  travelling  in 

X 


242  LETTERS   ON  CLERICAL   MANNERS, 

publick  conveyances,  in  which  many  a  precious 
hour  is  lost  by  the  improvident  man.  If  you  are  only 
awake  to  the  importance  of  this  subject,  and  have 
your  attention  vigilantly  directed  to  the  economical 
use  of  time,  it  is  wonderful  how  much  of  it  may  be 
easily  saved  from  utter  waste. 

20.  Study  much  with  your  pen  in  hand.  Keep 
several  blank  books  on  your  shelves.  One  of  these 
should  be  a  common-place-book ^  in  which  you  should 
enter  references  to  the  volume,  chapter,  and  page,  in 
which  any  remarkably  just  sentiments,  or  able  discus- 
sions are  to  be  found.  This  is,  undoubtedly,  a  me- 
thod greatly  preferable  to  that  which  is  adopted  by 
many;  I  mean  the  method  of  laboriously  transcribing 
long  passages  from  books  ;  which  ought  never  to  be 
done  unless  with  respect  to  such  books  as  you  may 
not  be  able  to  see  again.  If  you  possess,  or  can 
easily  procure  the  book,  a  reference  to  the  passage 
which  strikes  you,  under  its  appropriate  title,  in  a 
volume  kept  for  that  purpose,  is  quite  sufficient, 
and  much  less  laborious  and  exhausting.  It  is  a 
good  thing,  too,  while  the  contents  of  a  book  of  ster- 
ling value  are  fresh  in  your  memory,  to  throw  on.  pa- 
per a  compend  or  synopsis  of  the  scope,  plan,  and 
reasoning.  This  will  not  only  tend  to  fix  them  in 
your  memory ;  but  may  also  serve,  if  filed  and  preserv- 
ed, some  important  purpose  afterwards.  And,  final- 
ly, in  an  interleaved  Bible  be  careful  to  enter,  in  a 
small,  neat  hand,  all  the  striking  criticisms,  and  expo- 
sitions of  scripture,  which  you  may  meet  with  in  the 
course  of  your  ading,  or  your  attendance  on  the 
preaching  of  others. 


LETTERS    ON    CLERICAL    MANNERS.  243 

21.  Itwillbe,in  many  cases,  a  great  saving  of  time, 

il  you  LEARN  THE  CHARACTER  OP  BOOKS,  FROM  GOOD 
JUDGES,    BEFORE  YOU    READ    THEM.       As    nO   OHC  haS 

time  or  strength  to  read  every  book  that  can  be  found, 
on  a  given  subject ;  and  as  it  would  not  be  worth  his 
while  if  he  had ;  it  is  desirable  for  a  student,  at  the 
outset  of  a  particular  investigation,  to  find  out,  from 
those  on  whom  he  can  rely,  what  writers  ha  e  treat- 
ed on  the  subject  which  he  wishes  to  explore,  with 
most  ability.  I  have  often  been  distressed  to  see  in- 
experienced but  zealous  readers,  wasting  weeks  and 
perhaps  months,  in  reading  inferior,  and  even  paltry 
books,  when  those  which  were  far  more  worthy  of 
their  attention,  might  have  been  had  with  equal  ease. 
And  an  additional  reason  for  regret  occurs,  when  a 
student  whose  funds  are  extremely  scanty,  expends  a 
portion  of  them  in  the  purchase  of  works  scarcely 
deserving  a  perusal.  A  conversation  with  some  learn- 
ed friend  in  reference  to  a  contemplated  book,  may 
not  only  enable  you  to  judge  of  its  relative  value  ;  but 
may  really  prepare  you  to  read  it  with  far  more  advan- 
tage than  you  would  otherwise  have  done. 

22.  Never  pursue  study  to  the  point  of  exhaust- 
ion, OR  even  of  very  sensible  fatigue.  There  is 
so  far  from  being  any  economy  in  this,  that  it  is  the 
most  injudicious  waste  of  time  and  strength  that  can 
well  be  imagined.  The  probability  is  that  you  will 
lose  ten  times  more  than  you  will  gain  by  it.  Every 
moment  that  you  spend  in  study  after  the  mind  be- 
comes jaded,  is  worse  than  thrown  away.  But  I 
have  seen  so  many  instances  in  which  youthful  stu- 


244'  LETTERS    ON   CLERICAL    MANNERS. 

dents  were  deaf  to  all  warning  on  this  subject ;  so 
many  instances,  in  which,  under  the  impression  that 
they  could  bear  any  degree  of  application  to  study 
with  impunity,  they  madly  went  on,  until  the  firmest 
constitutions  were  broken  down, — in  some  instances 
irreparably  ;— ihat  I  despair  of  doing  much  good  by 
the  most  solemn  repetition  of  this  counsel.  No  one, 
in  an  ordinary  state  of  health,  ought  to  spend  more 
than  six  or  seven  hours  a  day  in  close  study.  If  to 
these  be  added  two  or  three  more  of  light  reading, 
there  will  be  as  much  time  devoted  to  intellectual  ex- 
ertion, as  any  one  ought  ever  to  think  of.  For  one 
that  can  bear  more,  as  a  habit,  without  injury*,  fiveoi 
six  cannot  endure  so  much.  Will  students  never 
learn  but  by  the  destruction  of  their  health,  that  it  i^ 
much  better  to  leave  ott  study,  while  their  minds  con- 
tinue elastic, and  their  animal  spirits  unwearied  ;  than 
for  the  sake  of  gaining  a  few  hours,  to  run  the  risk 
of  a  prostratioijof  strength,  which  may  exclude  them 
from  their  books  for  years  ;  and  deprive  them  of  al! 
comfortable  health  for  the  remainder  of  hfe  ? 

23.  Never  study  much  by  candle-light.  Be- 
gin with  the  dawn  of  day  ;  and  improve  every  mo- 
ment of  daylight  that  you  can  secure.  But  be  ex- 
tremely cautious  of  night-studies.  I  have  known  them 
to  have  injured  incurably  the  eyes  and  the  general 
health  of  many  unwary  students,  before  they  appre- 
hended the  least  danger.  Indeed  study  to  a  late  hour 
at  night,  ought  never  to  be  indulged  at  all,  by  anyone 
who  values  his  health.  Two  hours'  sleep  before  mid- 
night, arc  worth  three,  if  not  four  after  it.     And  he 


LETTERS    ON    CLERICAL   MANNERS.  245 

AY  ho  frequently  allows  himself  to  remain  at  his  stu- 
dies after  eleven  o'clock  in  the  evening,  is  probably 
laying  up  in  store  for  himself  bitter  repentance. 

24.  Beware,  in  night  studies,  of  the   use  of  such 

LAMPS,  AS  BY  MEANS  OF  REFLECTORS,  POUR  AN  IN- 
TENSE   LIGHT    ON     YOUR    BOOK  OR  PAPER.     LampS    of 

this  kind,  while  they  undoubtedly  shield  the  eyes 
from  injury,  by  the  direct  rays  of  light,  which  is  the 
object  aimed  at  ;  are  apt  to  do  much  more  injury, by 
rendering  the  reflected  light  more  vivid  and  dazzling, 
(n  fact,  instead  of  protecting  or  favouring  the  eyes, 
they  are  calculated  to  impair  the  soundest  vision ; 
and  have  proved,  in  many  cases,  extremely  hurtful. 
If  a  shade  be  used  at  all,  it  ought,  generally,  to  be 
placed  on  the  forehead  of  the  student, so  as  to  project 
two  or  three  inches  hke  the  brim  of  a  hat.  Indeed 
a  common  hat  itself  would  be  one  of  the  best  screens 
with  which  to  read,  at  night,  were  it  not  for  the  dan- 
ger of  keeping  the  head  too  warm,  and  thus  laying 
the  foundation  of  various  countervailing  evils. 

25.  Let  me  advise  you  to  do  all  your  writing  in 
A  STANDING  POSTURE.  If  you  Write  at  a  common  ta- 
ble, the  probabiHtyis,  that  you  will  contract  a  crook- 
ed, half  bent  mode  of  sitting,  which  will  materially 
injure  your  health.  Writing  chairs  are  very  much 
in  vogue  with  many  students.  But  if  I  am  not  great- 
ly deceived,  they  are  pestiferous  things,  which  do  ten 
times  as  much  injury  as  good.  It  is  almost  impos- 
sible to  write  on  them  without  incurring  an  unequal 
and  mischievous  pressure  on  one  side.  Indeed,  a 
gentleman,  of  much  experience  and  observation,  late 

X  2 


^46  LETTERS    ON    CLERICAL    MAXNERS. 

\y  assured  me  that  he  had  procured  the  banishment 
of  such  chairs  from  an  important  literary  insitution 
with  which  he  was  connected,  on  account  of  the  se- 
rious mischief  which  he  had  found  them  produce  to 
the  persons,  and  general  health  of  many  students.  li" 
you  write  standing,  and  guard  against  pressing  your 
breast  bone  on  the  edge  of  the  desk,  but  rest  alto- 
gether on  your  arms,  1  am  persuaded  you  will  find 
it  a  method  attended  with  fewer  inconveniences  and 
dangers  than  any  other.  On  this  plan,  no  part  of 
the  body  is  in  a  constrained  posture  :  and  the  circu- 
lation is  unobstructed.  Besides,  if  you  read  sitting, 
as  most  people  do,  it  will  create  an  agreeable  variety, 
if  you  rise  when  you  begin  to  write. 

26.  Whenever  you  are  called  upon  to  makejt?«r- 
ticular  exertion  in  study,  let  it  always  be  accom- 
panied with  SPECIAL  ABSTEMIOUSNESS  WITH  REGARD 

TO  FOOD.  Every  one  who  is  addicted  to  a  sedenta- 
ry employment,  and  especially  astudent,  ought  habit- 
ually to  live  on  a  much  more  slender  diet  than  those 
whose  occupations  are  more  active.  And  this  point 
demands  the  greater  attention,  on  the  part  of  students, 
because,  with  many,  intense  application  to  study  in- 
stead of  diminishing  the  appetite  for  food,  rather  gives 
it  an  additional  and  morbid  keenness.  So  that,  at 
such  a  season,  they  are  tempted  to  more  than  common 
indulgence  in  eating.  But  whenever  you  find  it  ne- 
cessary to  make  a  mental  effort,  in  reading  or  wri- 
ting, more  than  usually  severe  and  long  continued, 
let  it  ever  be  accompanied  witli  more  than  usual 
abstemiousness.    This  will  render  the  effort  more  ea- 


^M 


LETTERS   ON   CLERICAL    MANNEKS.  ^47 

s}',  at  the  time,  and  less  exhausting  in  its  effects.  It 
will  impart  to  your  mind  a  serenity,  a  vigour,  and  an 
aptitude  for  exertion,  always  perceptible,  and  often 
delightful ;  and  it  will  commonly  enable  you  to  per- 
form the  same  amount  of  work,  not  only  better, 
but  also  in  less  time.  It  is  true,  managing  the  busi- 
ness of  abstinence  requires  the  exercise  of  much  cau- 
tion and  judgment.  If  carried  too  far,  it  may  des- 
troy the  health  :  But  this,  I  beHeve,  is  seldom  done. 
Every  one  who  is  wise  enough  to  make  the  experi- 
ment, must  observ^e  and  judge  for  himself  how  farii 
will  be  for  the  advantage  both  of  his  bodily  and  men- 
tal health  to  carry  it.  But  I  am  very  confident  that, 
among  all  the  physical  auxiliaries  of  which  a  student 
may  avail  himself,  there  is  none  more  rational,  or 
more  potent  than  this. 

27.  You  must  not  think  me  whimsical,  if  I  tell 
you,  that  some  have  found  their  minds  more  active 
and  vigorous  in  consequence  of  putting  on  clean 

CLOTHES,  AND  ATTENDING  TO  CIRCUMSTANCES  OF 

PERSONAL  CLEANLINESS.  I  could  name  more  than  one 
minister,  who,  w^henever  they  w'ish  to  make  special 
efforts,  wash  their  hands  and  face,  put  on  clean  lin- 
en, and  dress  themselves  as  if  for  company  ;  and  de- 
clare that  they  scarcely  ever  fail  to  find  sensible  aid 
from  this  preparation  for  study.  I  feel  no  difficulty  in 
believing  that  this  aid  is  more  than  imaginary.  That 
there  is  a  close  connexion  between  the  body  and  the 
mind  we  all  know.  And  that  he  who  w^ishes  to  study 
to  advantage,  will  find  his  object  promoted  by  every 
thing  which  removes  defilement,  obstruction,  oppres- 


^48  LETTERS   ON   CLERICAL   MANNERS. 

sion,  or  any  kind  of  discomfort  from  his  body,  would 
seem  to  be  one  of  the  most  rational  conclusions. 

28.  While  I  think  it  proper  to  throw  out  these 
liints,  which  may  possibly  promote  your  comfort, 
when  you  are  called  to  make  special  efforts  in  study  : 
T  consider  it  as  my  duty,  at  the  same  time,  to  put 
you  on  your  guard  against  one  mistake,  which,  to  a 
minister  of  the  gospel,  may  be  a  serious  one.  I 
refer  to  the  popular  notion  among  many  students, 
that  men  of  genius  can  work,  and  ought  to  attempt 
to  work,  only  at  those  seasons  which  they  call  sea- 
sons of  inspiration.  That  is,  seasons  in  which  their 
minds  are  in  a  state  of  peculiar  alertness,  and  apti- 
tude for  intellectual  labour.  I  am  far  from  denying 
that  there  are  such  seasons,  with  most  men,  perhaps 
with  all  men  ;  and  have  no  doubt,  that  with  some, 
they  are  much  more  strongly  marked  than  with 
others.  When  they  do  occur,  there  is  no  question 
that  every  one  is  bound  to  make  the  most  of  them. 
But,  what!  deny,  is  that  theological  students,  or  min- 
isters of  the  gospel,  ought,  in  ordinary  cases,  to  xvait 
for  such  seasoiis.  Time  is  too  short,  and  souls  too 
precious  for  this.  With  them,  the  necessity  for  intel- 
lectual labour  occurs,  not  only  statedly,  but  almost 
constantly.  If  their  work  be  done  at  all,  k  must 
be  generally  done  within  a  given  number  of  hours  ; 
and  this  must  be  the  habit  of  their  lives.  It  is  of  the 
utmost  importance  to  them,  therefore,  that  they  be, 
as  much  as  possible,  at  all  times  ready  for  their  appro- 
priate labour.  And  although  it  is  certain  that  they 
will  not  be,  at  all  times,  in  a  state  of  feehng  equally 


LETTERS    ON   CLERICAL   MANNERS. 


249 


favourable  to  either  intellectual  or  bodily  effort ;  yet 
the  effort  ought  not,  in  common,  to  be  forborne  on 
that  account.  And,  after  all,  if  you  conduct  your 
studies  in  a  judicious  manner,  as  to  plans  and  hours ; 
and,  especially,  if  you  practise  with  wisdom,  that 
occasional,  and  even  habitual  abstemiousness,  which 
I  recommended  in  a  preceding  section,  rely  upon  it, 
your  seasons  of  inspiration  will  occur  much  more 
frequently  than  you  suppose,  or  than  liberal  feeders 
commonly  experience. 

29.  Make  a  point  of  keeping   every  thing  in 

YOUR  STUDY  IN  A  STATE  OF  PERFECT  NEATNESS 

AND  REGULARITY.  Whether  your  books  be  few  or 
many,  keep  them  in  their  places,  and  in  perfect  order. 
Let  all  your  manuscripts  be  so  arranged  as  that  you 
shall  be  able  to  lay  your  hand  upon  any  one  of  them 
in  a  moment.  Tie  your  pamphlets  in  bundles,  in  a 
certain  order  understood  by  yourself,  and,  as  soon  as 
possible,  get  them  bound  in  convenient  volumes. 
Fold,  label,  anddeposite  in  proper  drawers,  all  loose 
papers,  so  as  to  be  at  no  loss  to  find  any  one  of  them 
whenever  called  for.  And,  in  general,  let  every  thing 
in  your  study  bear  the  marks  of  order,  system,  and 
perfect  neatness.  You  can  have  no  conception,  with- 
out having  made  the  experiment,  how  much  time  and 
trouble  will  be  saved  by  this  plan.  When  you  are 
tempted  to  think,  that  you  have  not  tiine  to  put  a 
book  or  paper  which  you  have  been  using  into  its  pro- 
per place,  ask  yourself,  whether  you  will  probably 
find  it  convenient  a  week,  or  a  month  afterwards,  to 
spend  an  hour  in  searching  for  that,  which  half  a  min- 


250  LETTERS   ON   CLERICAL    MANNERS. 

ute  would  have  sufficed  for  depositing  in  its  appropri- 
ate situation  ?  Let  me  advise  you  also  to  preserve  and 
file  copies  of  all  your  important  letters  ;  and  where  you 
cannot  find  time  for  this,  to  keep,  at  least,  a  distinct 
memorandum  of  the  dates,  principal  contents,  convey- 
ance &c.  of  all  such  letters.  You  will,  in  the  end,  save 
more  time  by  this  regularity  than  you  can  now  easily 
imagine. 

30.  With  one  more  counsel  I  shall  close  this  letter; 
and  that  I  am  more  at  a  loss  to  frame*in  a  satisfactory 
manner  than  any  of  the  preceding.     It  is  that  you 

ENDEAVOUR  TO  GUARD  AGAINST  THOSE  INCESSANT 
INTERRUPTIONS    OF    STUDY  BY   COMPANY,  which,  Un- 

lessyou  take  measures  to  prevent,  will  not  fail  tocon- 
sume  a  large  part  of  your  time,  and  often  to  distress 
you  exceedingly.  I  have  more  than  hinted  at  this 
subject  in  a  former  letter.  But  it  is  one  of  those,  the 
evil  of  which,  I  fear,  even  "  line  upon  fine"  will  not 
be  sufficient  to  obviate.  Whether  you  consider  your 
comfort  or  your  improvement,  you  ought,  undoubt- 
edly, to  take  hold  of  this  matter  with  a  firm  hand. 
Some  of  the  students  of  the  Seminary  are  so  extreme- 
ly modest,  that  when  a  number  of  their  fellow-stu- 
dents drop  into  their  rooms,  one  after  another,  and  di- 
vert them  from  study  for  four  or  five  hours  together, 
they  cannot  summon  resolution  enough  to  give  the 
least  hint  of  the  distress  which  it  occasions  them ;  but 
perhaps  sit  several  hours,  in  a  state  little  short  of  ag- 
ony, submitting  to  the  encroachments  of  those  reck- 
less intruders,  who,  instead  of  interrupting  others, 
ought  themselves  to  be  busy.     There  are  various 


LETTERS   ON   CLERICAL   MANNERS,  251 

ways  of  shaking  off  these  marauders  on  the  tinve  of 
honest  people.  One  is,  as  I  stated  in  a  former  Let- 
ter, to  lock  your  door,  and  be  deaf  to  all  their  knock- 
ing. Another  is,  from  the  moment  they  seat  them- 
selves, to  maintain  a  rigid  silence  ;  or,  at  least,  to  an- 
swer them  only  in  monosyllables.  A  third  plan,  is, 
as  soon  as  any  unseasonable  visiter  sits  down,  to  be- 
gin to  converse  with  him  on  the  study  in  which  you 
happen  to  be  engaged ;  to  ply  him  vigorously  with 
questions  in  relation  to  it,  which  shall  put  to  a  severe 
test  his  own  acquaintance  with  it.  I  once  knew  a 
young  man  who  adopted  this  method,  and  who  resist- 
ed every  attempt  to  change  the  subject ;  and  he  very 
seldom  failed  to  clear  his  apartment  of  loungers. 
But,  even  all  these,  some  are  thoughtless,  or  iron 
hearted  enough  not  to  regard.  With  such,  the  only 
effectual  resort  seems  to  be  to  state,  in  so  many 
words,  the  urgency  of  your  engagements,  and  your 
wish  to  be  left  alone.  One  advantage  of  taking  strong 
measures,  in  the  outset,  on  this  subject,  will  be,  that, 
by  such  measures,  your  fellow-students  will  most 
speedily  learn  your  cue  in  reference  to  the  matter  in 
question,  and  soon  cease  to  give  you  trouble.  The 
remedy  may  be  painful ;  but  it  will  be  hkely  to  effect 
the  most  expeditious  and  complete  cure. 


]E.ETTEK   IX. 


T.iEE  FAST  HOLD  OF  JJSTSTRUCTIOX ;   LET  HER  JVOT  GO- 
^OR  SHE  JS  THY  LIFE,  Prov.  iv.  13. 


HABITS  IN  TIIE  LECTURE-ROOM. 


My  dear  young  Friend, 

•  It  may  be  supposed,  at  first  view,  that  the  deport- 
merit  of  a  student  in  the  Lecture-room,  might  well 
be  left  to  instructions  and  correctives  applied  on  the 
spot.  When  the  student  is  immediately  under.the  eye 
of  the  professor,  and  in  a  situation  in  which  a  gentle 
hint  or  admonition  may  be  instantly  directed  to  the 
occurrence  which  is  supposed  to  demand  it ;  where, 
it  may  be  asked,  is  the  necessity  of  laying  down  a 
set  of  formal  counsels  on  paper  ?  1  have  two  reasons 
for  not  passing  over  this  part  of  my  subject  without 
particular  notice. 

One  reason  is,  that  to  a  Professor  who  has  the  least 
delicacy  of  feeling,  it  is  always  painful  to  admo- 
nish an  ingenuous  and  pious  youth  of  any  aberration 
from  strict  propriety,  in  the  presence  of  his  com- 
panions. Such  an  admonition,  however  well  intend- 
ed, and  well  administered,  may  inflict  a  deep 
wound  on  the  feelings  of  him  who  receives  it.  And 
if,  to  avoid  this  evil,  it  be  administered  in  private. 


LETTERS    ON    CLERICAL   MANNBiRS.  253 

one  of  its  most  valuable  benefits  is  lost ;  viz.  that  of 
putting  others  on  their  guard  against  a  similar  fault. 

But  a  second  and  still  stronger  reason  is,  that  it  is 
much  better,  if  possible,  to  prevent  such  faults  from 
occurring,  than  to  correct  them  when  committed. 
My  object  is,  not  to  wait  until  I  see  improprieties,  in- 
advertently, or  otherwise  indulged,  and  then  to  ap- 
ply the  corrective ;  but  to  put  conscientious  young  men 
on  their  guard,  beforehand,  against  indulging  them, 
and  thus  obviate  the  necessity  of  inflicting  pain  on  ei- 
ther side. 

You  must  not  suppose,  from  the  aggregate  of  these 
counsels,  that  I  have  been  accustomed  to  see  the  fre- 
quent occurrence  of  rll-breeding  or  disorder  in  our 
Lecture-rooms.  Far  from  it.  On  the  contrary,  the 
remarkable  infrequency  of  any  call  for  animadver- 
sion, or  the  slightest  form  of  discipline  in  our  Insti- 
tution, now  in  the  fifteenth  year  of  its  course,  has 
been  a  source  of  peculiar  satisfaction,  and,  I  hope, 
an  occasion  of  cordial  thankfulness.  Yet  there  are 
theological  students  of  cultivated  minds,  and  of  un- 
feigned piety,  who  bring  with  them,  from  College,  or 
from  the  Academy,  certain  habits  in  the  Lecture- 
room,  which,  though  not  criminal,  are  some  of  them 
unseemly,  and  all  disadvantageous  ;  and  of  which, 
from  mere  inconsideration,  or  inexperience,  they  see 
not  the  evil.  A  few  of  these  habits  I  wish  to  point 
out,  and  to  place  in  the  light  in  which  much  obser- 
vation convinces  me  they  ought  to  be  contemplated. 

I  am  the  more  disposed  to  consider  some  of  these 
habits  in  detail,  because  the  correction  of  them  now, 
y 


254  LETTERS    ON    CLERICAL    MANNERS. 

will  be  of  use  to  you  throughout  hfe.  Similar  im- 
proprieties may  be  indulged  in  other  places  besides 
the  Lecture-room  ;  and  the  spirit  of  my  remarks  will 
apply  to  all  situations  and  practices  analogous  to 
those  which  are  noticed  in  detail. 

1.  Never  allow  yourself  to  ee  absent  from  a 

LECTURE,  WHEN  YOU  CAN  POSSIBLY  AVOID  IT.     SomC 

students,  who  mean  to  be  attentive  and  regular,  are 
occasionally  induced,  by  very  insufficient  causes,  to 
absent  themselves  entirely  from  the  Lecture-room, 
when  they  ought  to  be  there.  An  interruption  of 
company  ;  the  slightest  indisposition  ;  a  party  of  plea- 
sure ;  the  writing  of  a  letter,  which  might  easily  be 
postponed  ;  a  fit  of  drowsiness  ;  and  even  the  fasci- 
nation of  a  new  book,  are  allowed,  each  in  its  turn,  to 
detain  them  from  being  present  when  some  impor- 
tant exercise  in  their  course  is  passed.  From  caus- 
es of  this  kind,  I  have  known  students  to  miss  seven 
or  eight  lectures  during  a  single  session.  And  more 
than  once  it  unfortunately  happened,  that  a  portion 
of  the  lectures  thus  lost,  were,  precisely,  the  most  ra- 
dical and  indispensable  of  the  whole  number,  the  loss 
of  which,  imposed  upon  them  the  most  serious  disad- 
vantage through  all  that  came  afterwards.  In  fact  the 
loss  of  one  lecture  may  be  productive  of  evil  not  ea- 
sily calculated.  Now  no  student  can  possibly  know, 
beforehand,  when  this  may  be  the  case  ;  and  very  un- 
just is  he,  both  to  himself  and  his  teacher,  who  ever 
allows  himself  to  miss  a  lecture  at  which  it  is  possi- 
ble for  him  to  be  present. 

2.  Make  a  point  of  appearing  in  the  lecture- 


LETTERS    ON    CLERICAL    MANNERS.  255 

ROOM,     AT    THE    PRESCRIBED     TIME,     WITH    PERFECT 

PUNCTUALITY.  Let  flo  company,  engagement,  or  ob- 
stacle of  any  kind,  short  of  absolute  necessity,  pre- 
vent this.  The  evils  of  coming  late  to  a  lecture 
are  numerous.  He  who  does  so,  of  course,  loses  the 
prayer^  which  precedes  every  exercise  in  the  Sem- 
inary ;  a  loss,  which,  by  the  pious  mind,  will  not  be 
deemed  small.  He  also  loses,  I  need  not  add,  all 
that  part  of  the  lecture  which  is  delivered  before  he 
enters  the  room.  Now  this  part  may  be  essential  to 
the  right  understanding  of  all  that  follows  ;  so  that 
to  lose  it  is,  in  effect,  to  lose  the  whole.  But  this  is 
not  all.  The  student,  by  entering  the  apartment  af- 
ter a  lecture  is  begun,  disturbs  his  fellow  students,  by 
diverting  their  attention  ;  by  the  noise  which  unavoid- 
ably attends  his  coming  in,  and  seating  himself;  ana 
perhaps,  by  whispering  to  his  nearest  neighbour,  to 
ascertain  what  the  subject  is,  under  discussion,  and 
what  has  been  said.  He  also  disturbs  the  Professor, 
by  the  noise  which  attends  his  entrance,  and  by  forc- 
ing on  his  mind  the  painful  impression,  that  there  is 
at  least  one  of  his  hearers,  who,  from  ignoran-  e  of 
what  has  gone  before,  cannot  possibly  go  with  him, 
satisfactorily  and  fully,  in  what  is  to  follow.  This  is 
so  important  a  matter,  that  I  must  beg  your  attention 
to  it  with  peculiar  emphasis.  Invariably  make  such 
calculations  as  will  enable  you  to  be  present  several 
minutes  before,  rather  than  a  single  minute  after 
the  proper  time.  In  truth,  I  have  been  so  painfully 
impressed  with  the  mischiefs  resulting  from  a  late  at- 
tendance on  any  exercise  of  the   Seminary,  that  I 


256  LETTERS   ON   CLERICAL    MANNERS. 

have  often  sincerely  wished,  if  a  student  did  not  enter 
before  the  first  sentence  of  the  lecture  were  deli- 
vered, he  might  not  come  at  all.  In  some  cases,  in- 
deed, it  may  be  otherwise  ;  but  in  many  others,  such 
would  be  my  deliberate  opinion. 

I  should  do  injustice  to  you,  and  to  the  subject,  if 
I  did  not  add,  that  all  my  experience  in  this  Institu- 
tion enables  me  to  say,  that — almost  without  excep- 
tion— those  students  who  have  been  most  honoura- 
bly distinguished  for  talents,  mature  knowledge,  de- 
cision of  character,  and  subsequent  usefulness  in  the 
ministry,  have  manifested  a  degree  of  punctuality  in 
relation  to  this  matter  truly  remarkable. 

3.  If  you  would  acquire  the  virtue  of  entire  punc- 
tuahty  in  your  attendance  on  the  exercises  of  the 
Seminary,  you  must  learn  the  important  art  of  dis- 
missing   INTRUSIVE    COMPANY    WITHOUT    CEREMONY. 

This  is  a  hard  lesson  to  learn  for  a  young  and  mo- 
dest man  ;  but  he  must  learn  it,  if  he  would  discharge 
his  duty  as  a  publick  man  ;  and  the  sooner  he  begins 
to  reduce  it  to  practice  the  better.  You  will  often  be 
visited  by  those  who  have  nothing  to  do  themselves, 
and  who,  of  course,  will  not  be  apt  to  recollect  that 
you  ought  to  be  busy.  Endeavour  to  acquire  that 
decision  of  character  which  will  enable  you,  gently, 
but  firmly,  to  dismiss  such  persons,  when  the  hour  for 
lecture  arrives.  What  can  be  more  reasonable  than 
(o  say  to  such  a  visiter,  when  the  bell  rings — "  That 
is  my  signal,  Sir  ;  you  will  have  the  goodness  to  ex- 
cuse me?" — Whether  you  wish  to  discharge  present 
duty,  or  to  form  a  habit  the  value  of  which  will  he. 


LETTERS    ON    CLERICAL    MANNERS.  ^Jot 

developed  in  after  life,  the  gain  will  far  more  than 
counterbalance  all  the  irksome  feeling,  or  social  loss, 
which  may  attend  the  dismission. 

4.  There  is  one  practice  in  the  Seminary,  which 
very  often  interferes  with  punctual  attendance  on 
the  exercises  of  the  Institution.  I  refer  to  the  prac- 
tice of  the  more  advanced  students,  who  may  be  li- 
censed to  preach  several  months  before  they  leave  us : 
— and  who,  in  many  cases,  make  E^GAGEMENTS  to 
PREACH  which  very  materially  interfere,  from  time 
to  time,  with  their  appropriate  duties  as  students. 
This  is  a  mischievous  practice.  There  is,  indeed,  a 
real  advantage  in  the  pupils  of  the  Seminary  being  li- 
censed a  short  time  before  the  completion  of  their 
course,  that  they  may  have  an  opportunity  of  actual- 
ly appearing  in  the  pulpit,  in  the  presence  of  their 
Professors,  and  fellow  students,  and  receiving  their 
friendly  remarks.  But  when  such  Licentiates  have 
so  little  firmness  of  mind  as  to  yield  to  every  solicita- 
tion to  preach,  and  thereby  to  break  in  frequently  on 
their  proper  engagements  in  the  Seminary,  their  li- 
cense is  worse  than  useless ;  and  the  privilege  which 
it  gives  ought  rather  to  be  deprecated  than  coveted 
by  a  diligent  student. 

5.  Never  allow  yourself  to  enter  the  Lecture-room 
IN  A  SLOVENLY  DRESS ; — iu  any  dress  in  which  you 
might  not  appear  decently  in  the  street.  If  I  mistake 
not,  you  have  sometimes  seen  very  worthy  students 
appear  among  their  companions  in  that  kind  of  strik- 
ing dishabille  which  might  have  been  expected  if 
they  had   five  minutes    before  quitted  their  beds. 

Y  2 


^OU  LETTERS    ON   CLERICAL   MANNER?  \ 

There  is  something  in  this  kind  of  appearance  by  no 
means  respectful,  either  to  their  fellow-students,  or 
Iheir  Professors.  1  am  far  from  being  pleased  to  see 
theological  students  fond  of  elegance,  or  even  of  for- 
malitj,  in  their  dress.  Decent  neatness  is  S[\  I  ask. 
But  surely  this  may  be  demanded  whenever  they 
come  together  to  attend  on  any  publick  duty.  Be- 
sides the  considerations  already  suggested,  they  know 
not  but  that,  on  such  an  occasion,  several  strangers 
may  be  present,  who  may  receive  an  impression 
concerning  the  Seminary  in  general,  from  the  appear- 
ance of  two  or  three  individuals  among  the  pupils. 
6.  While  you  are  in  the  Lecture-room  let  your 

ATTENTION  BE  CLOSELY  AND  IMMOVEABLY  FIXED 
UPON  ALL  THAT  IS    SAID  AND  DONE.  SomC  thcological 

students  are  so  inconsiderate  as  to  allow  themselves 
to  bring  to  the  Seminary  the  habit,  in  reference  to 
this  point,  which  they  unwisely  formed  at  College, 
or  at  the  Academy  ;  I  mean  the  habit  of  considering 
themselves  as  not  particularly  interested  in  any  thing 
that  passes,  excepting  that  which  is  immediately  ad- 
dressed to  themselves.  Nothing  but  the  strangest 
want  of  reflection  can  tolerate  such  a  thought,  or  the 
habit  which  flows  from  it.  Surely  every  member  of 
a  class  is  just  as  much  interested  in  every  thing  which 
drops  from  the  lips  of  the  Professor,  as  he  who  is  im- 
mediately interrogated,  or  addressed.  Every  ques- 
tion that  is  asked  ;  every  answer  that  is  given;  every 
difficulty  that  is  solved ;  and  every  mistake  that  is 
committed  or  corrected,  may  be  considered  as  the 
property  of  all  alike  ;  as  equally  calling  for  the  atten- 


LETTERS    ON   CLERICAL   MANNERS,  259 

iion  of  all ;  and  as  worthy,  if  possessed  of  any  value, 
of  being  equally  treasured  up  by  all.  In  short,  a 
mind  awake,  active,  and  eager,  in  the  language  of 
Solomon,  to  take  fast  hold  of  instruction-,  and  let 
none  of  it  go  ^  will  derive  advantage  from  every  word 
that  isutteredin  the  Lecture-room,  whether  directed 
immediately  to  himself  or  to  his  companions.  He 
will  turn  it  all  to  gold  ;  and  make  it  redound,  in  some 
way,  to  the  great  cause  of  his  improvement. 

If  every  student  were  aware  of  the  importance  of 
this  counsel,  we  should  not  be  pained  by  those  cases 
of  evident  absence  of  mind,  which  often  occur ;  and 
those  instances  of  languor,  drowsiness,  and  even  occa- 
sional slumber,  which  have  been  sometimes  witness- 
ed. We  should  see  every  one  appearing  to  forget 
every  thing  else,  in  his  all-absorbing  attention  to  the 
subject  immediately  before  him.  And  even  when  the 
remarks  of  the  Lecturer  were  not  either  as  weighty  or 
as  interesting  as  might  be  wished,  such  a  band  of  Hs- 
tening  auditors  as  I  have  sometimes  seen,  by  their  ea- 
ger looks,  their  pertinent  questions,  and  their  intelli- 
gent inferences,  might  animate  dulness  itself,  and 
educe  rich  instruction  from  a  lecture  which  scarcely 
rose  even  to  mediocrity  of  character. 

7.  It  is  a  bad  practice  to  indulge  in  any  kind  of 
READING  during  a  lecture.  One  of  the  Rules  of 
our  Seminary,  indeed,  absolutely  prohibits  all  read- 
ing, during  any  recitation  or  lecture,  excepting  thai 
which  relates  immediately  to  the  subject  under  con- 
sideration. But  I  am  more  and  more  persuaded 
that  no  one  ought  ever  to  avail  himself  even  of  this 


260  LETTERS    ON    CLERICAL    MANNERS, 

exception  :  for  it  is  manifest  that  no  one  can  read  a 
book  on  the  same  subject  on  which  a  lecture  is  pro- 
ceeding, and  at  the  same  time,  attend  to  the  Lectur- 
er. And  if  the  pupil  dehberately  prefer  the  former 
to  the  latter,  he  had  better  be  in  his  own  apartment, 
employed  in  reading  alone,  than  place  himself  in 
circumstances  in  which  neither  reading  nor  hearing 
can  be  enjoyed  to  the  best  advantage.  As  to  the 
cases  which  now  and  then  occur,  in  which  something 
eutirely  foreign  from  the  subject  of  the  lecture  is 
read,  it  is  such  a  direct  violation  of  the  law  of  the 
Seminary,  and  such  a  piece  of  disrespect  to  the  Pro- 
fessor who  may  happen  to  fill  the  chair,  that  no  con- 
scientious or  well-bred  student,  who  reflected  a  mo- 
ment what  he  was  about,  could  possibly  allow  him- 
self to  be  guilty  of  a  single  act  of  the  kind,  much  less 
to  indulge  in  the  practice. 

8.    All    PRIVATE    CONVERSATION,   OR    WHISPERING, 

during  a  lecture,  is  a  violation  of  good  manners,  as 
well  as  an  infraction  of  an  express  law  of  the  institu- 
tion with  which  you  are  connected.  I  have  known 
some  students,  who  had  an  infirmity  of  this  kind, 
which  appeared  altogether  invincible.  They  seem- 
ed not  to  be  capable  of  sitting  five  minutes  hi  the 
Lecture-  room  without  whispering  with  ail  whom 
they  were  near  enough  to  annoy  in  this  manner. 
Whether  they  approved  or  disapproved,  compre- 
hended, or  were  unable  to  comprehend,  what  was 
said,  it  was  equally  the  subject  of  this  private  com- 
munication. Sometimes,  however,  it  had  a  respect 
fo  matters  altogether  foreign  from  those  of  the  lee- 


LETTERS  ON  CLERICAL  MANNERS.      261 

ture.  The  mischiefs  of  such  a  practice  are  serious. 
It  is  manifest  that  while  the  individual  is  whispering 
to  his  neighbour,  he  cannot  possibly  attend  to  what 
is  uttering,  at  the  moment,  from  the  Pro fessor^s  chair. 
It  is  also  manifest,  that  the  neighbour  whom  he  ad- 
dresses, is  equally  taken  off,  during  the  same  time, 
from  that  attention  which  is  due  to  his  Instructer. 
Now  the  sentence,  or  sentences,  thus  lost,  may  be 
essential  to  a  connected  view  of  the  subject.  Of 
course,  both  the  whisperer^  and  the  unfortunate 
whisperee^  on  such  occasions,  will  be  likely  to  under- 
stand it  very  imperfectly,  to  say  the  least.  Accord- 
ingly, I  have  always  remarked,  as  a  general  fact,  that 
your  habitual  whisperers  were  the  poorest  students 
in  the  classes  to  which  they  belonged  ;  and  that, 
when  the  day  of  examination  came,  they  were  sel- 
dom found  to  understand  with  accuracy  any  sub- 
ject which  was  brought  before  them. 

As  to  the  pain  which  this  practice  cannot  fail  to 
give  to  the  Lecturer  himself,  I  forbear  to  urge  it  ; 
as  a  student  whose  feelings  allow  him  to  commit 
such  an  indelicacy,  will  not  be  likely  to  pay  much 
respect  to  those  of  a  Professor.  Yet  such  pain  will 
inevitably  be  inflicted  on  the  mind  of  a  conscien- 
tious man,  who  is  really  interested  in  the  improve- 
ment of  his  pupils. 

Some  who  do  not  whisper,  do  worse.  They  scribble 
on  pieces  of  paper  what  they  have  to  say  ;  hand  them 
to  the  individuals  whom  they  wish  to  address ;  and 
sohcit  from  them  answers  in  the  same  manner.  This 
is  worse,  because  it  takes  up  more  time,  on  both  sides j 


iG2  LETTERS    ON    CLERICAL    MANNERS. 

to  write  a  sentence,  than  it  would  to  utter  it  orally  ; 
and  of  course,  to  accomplish  every  suchcommunica- 
tion,  a  larger  amount  of  attention  must  be  withdrawn 
from  the  appropriate  duty  of  the  hour. 

Never  allow,  yourself,  therefore,  on  any  occasion 
whatever,  either  to  whisper,  or  to  circulate  billets,  in 
the  Lecture-room,  unless  in  a  case  of  «6,9o/w/£  ne- 
cessity. In  forty-nine  cases  out  of  fifty,  what  is  com- 
municated in  this  way,  might  be  just  as  well  left  un- 
til the  lecture  is  ended  ;  and  the  inabihty  to  wait,  al- 
most always  arise?  either  from  weakness  of  judgment, 
or  puerile  impatience.  Not  only  avoid  doing  any 
thing  of  this  kind  yourself;  but  do  not  allow  others 
to  wisper,  or  to  hand  billets  to  you.  If  any  make 
the  attempt,  repel  it,  by  saying — "  I  wish  to  attend 
to  the  lecture." 

9.  Some,  who  do  not  allow  themselves  to  whisper, 
are  in  the  habit  of  frequently  winking,  nodding,  or 
SMILING,  to  one  or  more  of  those  arOund  them,  to  ex- 
press either  their  approbation,  or  their  doubt,  of 
something  which  has  been  said.  I  have  known  this 
to  be  so  much  the  habit  of  a  few  students,  who  have, 
at  different  periods,  passed  through  our  Seminar}^, 
that  they  rendered  themselves  really  conspicuous  by 
it.  They  no  doubt  meant  that  it  should  be  considered 
as  a  mark  of  attention  and  talent ;  but  I  believe  it  sel- 
dom failed  to  receive  a  very  different  construction  on 
the  part  of  all  sober-minded  observers.  As  the  prac- 
tice in  question  is  chargeable  with  most  of  the  evils 
^mentioned  in  the  preceding  section,  I  shall  not  repeat 
the  detail:  but  would  observe,  that  he  who  wishes 


LETTERS   ON   CLERICAL    MANNERS.         So.i 

to  avail  himself  most  completely  of  all  the  advanta* 
ges  of  the  Lectiire-room,  ought  to  learn  the  art  of 
sitting,  with  tixed  attention,  and  unmoved  counte- 
nance, throughout  the  whole  of  its  exercises,  and  of 
giving  no  encouragement,  even  by  look,  or  by  the 
least  response  of  the  favourable  kind,  to  those  who  act 
a  different  part. 

10.  Never  place  yourself  in  the  Lecture-room  jx 

A    LOUNGING    OR    RECLINING     POSTURE.       ThcrC     arC 

those  who,  though  Sijoying  all  the  vigour  of  youth 
and  health,  appear  never  to  be  easy  a  moment  but 
when  in  a  posture  partly  recumbent.  If  they  be  seat- 
ed on  a  bench,  or  any  seat  which  admits  of  it,  they 
raise  their  feet,  and  place  them  horizontally,  and 
even  stretch  themselves  at  full  length,  as  if  preparing 
for  a  nap.  Can  any  one  who  reflects  a  moment  fail 
of  perceiving  that  this  manifests  ill  breeding  of  a  pret- 
ty gross  kind  ?  There  are  few  cases  in  which  any 
one  ought  to  allow  himself  to  sit,  or  rather  lie,  in 
such  a  posture,  in  the  midst  of  his  equals  only  ;  but 
to  do  it  in  the  presence  ofany  one  whom  he  regards 
as  his  superior^  is  really  an  outrage  on  decorum.  If 
you  suppose  that  I  go  too  far  in  this  statement,  rely 
on  it,  you  altogether  mistake.  It  is  universally  so 
viewed  by  well-bred  people.  And  you  may  rest  as- 
sured that  gentlemen  whose  good  opinion  you  would 
think  worth  possessing,  have  severely  remarked  on 
some  few  instances  which  they  have  personally  wit- 
nessed of  the  unseemly  postures  to  which  I  refer. 
Learn,  then,  at  all  times,  and  quite  as  rigidly  in  the 
Lecture-room  as  in  the  parlour,  to  sit  upright,  and 


564  LETTERS   ON    CLERICAL    MANNERS. 

in  the  posture  of  respectful  attention.  Decorum  to 
your  companions,  and  especially  to  the  Professor 
who  may  be  addressing  you,  requires  it ;  a  regard  to 
your  health  requires  it ;  a  proper  care  to  avoid 
drowsiness  requires  it.  Whenever  a  young  man 
fmds  that  to  be  comfortable  he  must  lean,  and  lounge, 
and  find  some  support  for  his  back,  and  his  feet,  it  is 
high  time  to  feel  that  his  habits  call  for  immediate, 
and  resolute  correction. 

11.  Closely  allied  to  the  foregoing  faults  is  another, 
which  I  have  often  observed  with  pain :  — I  mean 
the  habit  of  leaning  torward,  while  seated  in  the 
Lecture-room,  and    resting    the  head    on  the 

BACK  OF  A  CHAIR,  OR  BENCH,  IN  FRONT,  AS  IF  FOR 

THE  PURPOSE  OF  SLEEP.  When  you  place  yourself  in 
this  posture,  you  will  be  apt,  contrary  to  your  own 
intention,  to  be  betrayed  into  drowsiness.  Even  if 
this  consequence  do  not  follow,  your  fellow  students 
know  not  but  that  you  are  sleeping.  And  your  Pro- 
fessor must,  of  course,  be  subjected  to  the  pain  of 
doubting  whether  at  least  one  of  his  auditory  be  not 
insensible  to  all  he  is  saying.  Can  this  be  right  in  itself, 
to  say  nothing  of  the  point  of  etiquette^  as  establish- 
ed among  well-bred  people  ?  If  I  even  had  a  severe 
headach,  I  would  refrain  from  this  practice.  It  looks 
so  much  like  the  vulgar  lolling  of  a  school-boy,  or  a 
college-lad,  who  has  neither  sufficient  intellect,  nor 
sufficient  respect  for  himself  or  for  any  other  person, 
to  make  him  a  listener,  arrectis  auribus^  to  that 
which  is  delivered. 

12.  When  anything  is  dropped  by  a  Professor,  in 


LETTERS    ON    CLERICAL    MANNERS.  265 

Use  course  of  a  lecture,  which  is  supposed  to  mili- 
tate WITH  THE  OPINIONS  OP  SOME  PUPIL  PRE.V 
KNT,  RECEIVE  IT    WITH  GRAVITY  AND  WITH    A  FIXED 

.'OUNTENANCE.  If,  instead  of  this,  there  be  smiling, 
tittering,  a  dozen  turning  round  at  the  same  instant, 
to  see  how  the  pupil  in  question  looks,  and  appears 
to  feel — as  is  sometimes  the  case  among  ardent  and 
inexperienced  young  men, — there  is  a  manifest  and 
gross  indelicacy,  which  on  a  variety  of  accounts,  ought 
to  be  avoided.  It  is  ill  treatment  to  the  Professor 
himself,  who  may  not  have  intended  the  application 
thus  unceremoniously  made.  It  may  be  deeply  em- 
barrassing and  painful  to  an  ingenuous  pupil.  And 
it  exhibits  those  who  indulge  in  it,  as  borne  away 
by  an  undignified  puerility,  altogether  unworthy  of 
their  character.  Allow  me  again  to  say,  that  learn- 
ing the  habit  of  maintaining,  on  all  such  occasions, 
a  composed  and  grave  countenance,  is  of  no  small 
importance  in  the  formation  of  clerical  manners. 

13.  When  called  upon   to  make  remarks  on  the 
production  of  a  fellow  student  in  the  Lecture-room, 

DO  IT  WITH  PERFECT  FREEDOM,  BUT  WITH  RES- 
PECTFULNESS AND  GRAVITY.  If  you  havc  occasion 
to  make  a  remark  of  the  unfavourable  kind,  let  it 
be  couched,  as  far  as  is  consistent  with  candour,  in 
kind  and  brotherly  language.  Pause  a  moment,  be- 
fore you  offer  it,  and  ask  this  question — "  Is  the  criti- 
cism which  I  am  about  to  OiTer,  intended  to  display 
myself^  or  to  benefit  my  brother  ?"  "  How  should 
1  feel,  if  it  were  made  in  reference  to  myself?'^  U 
you  are  conscious  that  it  would  wound  your  own 


^Q(j  l>ETrERS    ON    CLEnrCAL    MANNER?. 

feelings,  do  not,  in  ordinary  cases,  allow  joursclf  it- 
litter  it.  Not  that  we  are  to  resolve  never  to  giv( 
pain.  It  is  sometimes  unavoidable,  if  we  w^ould  bf 
faithful.  But  it  should  never  be  inflicted  unnecessa- 
rily; never  more  severely  than  is  indispensable  to 
the  performance  of  duty ;  and  always  with  as  man} 
characteristicks  of  studied  gentleness  and  benevo- 
lence as  perfect  honesty  will  permit. 

14.  Never  allow  yourself,  on  accptint  of  any  or- 
dinary avocation,  to  withdraw^  from  the  Lec- 
ture-room, until  the  whole  exercise  shall  have 
been  completed.  There  is  a  disposition  in  many 
conscientious  young  men  so  to  magnify  the  impor- 
tance of  tridcs,  which  attract  their  attention,  from  day 
to  day,  and  so  to  indulge  the  impatience  which  is  apt 
to  characterize  that  season  of  life,  that  they  are 
constantly  hurrying  from  one  engagement  to  ano- 
ther, and  often  do  not  allow  themselves  to  complete 
one,  before  they  begin  to  run  after  another  ;  so  that 
they  never  gain  the  full  benefit  of  finy.  This  is  a 
wretched  habit,  calculated  to  shed  a  baleful  influ- 
ence over  the  whole  course  of  study,  and,  indeed, 
over  the  whole  professional  life.  The  admirable 
maxim  of  the  old  Pensioner,  De  fVitty  to  ^^  do  one 
Ihin^  at  a  time,'''  is  of  inestimable  value.  Act  on  the 
spirit  of  it  continually ;  that  is,  be  totally  absorbed 
in  your  employment,  for  the  time  being,  whatever  it 
may  be,  and  never  leave  it  till  it  is  completely  and 
well  done.  Your  studies  will  then  be  mature  and 
profitable,  and  the  results  bear  that  solid,  practical 
character,  which  incessant  haste,   and  habits  of  im- 


LETTERS    ON    CLERICAL    AIANNEHS.  267 

methodical  and  desultory  attention,  never  can  pro- 
duce. Let  it  be  your  fixed  habit,  then,  never  to 
quit  the  Lecture-room  until  its  exercises  are  fully 
closed.  If  the  instructions  there  delivered  be  of  no 
value,  you  ought  not  to  enter  it  at  all.  But  if  they 
be  worth  your  attention,  let  no  petty  consideration, 
ever  tempt  you  to  lose  a  hint  or  a   word. 

15.  There  is  a  practice  indulged,  not  very  frc- 
4]ucntiy,  indeed,  but  more  frequently,  if  I  mistake 
not,  than  it  ought  to  be.     I  mean   that   of  calling 

OUT    A    STUDENT    FROM    THE    LeGTURE-ROOM,    in  thc 

middle  of  a  lecture  or  recitation,  and  sometimes  on 
very  slight  occasions.  That  occasions  may  arise, 
which  will  fully  justify  such  a  step,  no  one  can 
doubt.  But  that  it  should  be  ventured  upon  fre- 
quently, and  for  trivial  purposes,  merely  to  gratify  a 
social  visiter,  or  to  indulge  a  fit  of  juvenile  impa- 
tience, every  one  will  perceive  to  be  both  injudi- 
cious, and  a  mischievous  violation  of  order.  It  dis- 
turbs the  officiating  Professor.  It  incommodes  the 
whole  class.  It  may  suddenly  take  out  of  the 
room  thc  very  individual  for  whose  benefit  a  par- 
ticular explanation,  then  in  hand,  had  been  intend- 
ed, as  I  have  known,  more  than  once,  to  be  the 
case  ;  and  thus  do  an  injustice  of  which  no  one  can 
fully  estimate  the  amount.  And  all  this,  perhaps,  to 
accomplish  something  either  of  no  real  importance, 
or  which  might  just  as  well  have  been  postponed  un- 
til after  the  close  of  the  exercise.  I  would  advise 
you,  then,  to  set  your  face  against  this  practice,  by 
testifying  your  disapprobation  when  it  is  done  with 


^9 


26$  LETTEBS    OJi    CLEBICAL   MANNEKS. 

respect  to  yourself,  and  by  endeavouring  to  disse- 
minate a  sentiment  adverse  to  it  among  your  felloiv 
students. 

16.  I  would  advise  you  to  take  copious  notes, 
on  the  spot,  of  all  the  lectures  which  you  hear. 
This  habit,  when  once  established,  will  furnish  an 
additional  motive  to  perfect  punctuality  in  being 
present  at  every  lecture ;  for  you  will  be  unwilling 
to  see  a  blank  occurring  in  every  half  dozen  pages 
in  your  note-book.  It  will  constrain  you  to  pa} 
close  attention  to  every  word  that  is  uttered  when 
you  are  present.  It  will  aid  you  in  acquiring 
the  art  of  expressing  yourself  with  brevity  and 
precision.  And  it  will  enable  you  with  ease  to  re. 
iresh  your  memory  afterwards.  I  once  knew  a  stu~ 
dent  who  had  a  series  of  note-books,  which  con- 
tained the  substance  of  all  that  he  had  studied  at 
(/ollege,  as  well  as  afterwards  in  the  Seminary. 
And  he  assured  me,  that  not  only  had  the  labour  ol 
iormmg  them  been  of  great  advantage  to  him ;  but 
that  he  also  considered  them,  at  the  time  when  he 
was  speaking  on  the  subject,  as,  on  various  accounts, 
among  the  most  precious  books  in  his  library. 

17.  In  fine;    let     every      hour    which    you 

SPEND    IN    THE    LeCTURE-ROOM,    BE    CONSIDERED    AS 

AN  HOUR  OF  PECULIAR  VALUE.  Remember  that 
the  business  of  a  Professor  is  not  to  think  for  you  ; 
but  to  excite  you  to  think  :  to  put  you  in  possession 
of  general  principles  :  to  start  trains  of  thought :  to 
state  leading  facts,  rather  than  the  minuter  items  of 
history:  in  short,  to  open  a  precious  mine,  to  give 


LETTERS    ON    CLERICAL    ilANNEBS. 


t2G9 


you  a  specimen  of  its  contents,  and  to  unfold  some 
of  the  best  methods  of  exploring  its  boundless  rich- 
es.    This  being  done  for  you,  all   the  rest  must  be 
accompHshed  by  yourself.     But  in  vain  will  any  stu- 
dent hope  to  achieve  much  in  the  attainment  of  that 
which  lectures  cannot  give  him  in  detail,  unless  he 
bring  to  every  lecture  a  mind  awake,  active,  inqui- 
sitive, and  greedy  of  knowledge.     Unless   he  care- 
fully watch  every  sentence  that  is  dropped  ;  every 
opening  for  an  important  question,  and  explanation; 
and  every  opportunity,  however  small,  of  extending 
Iiis  views  of  truth  or  duty.     If  students  listened  with 
such  a  spirit,  the  shortest  and   most  meagre  lecture 
would   be   thought   a  feast.      O  how   remote  from 
this  is  the  dull,  drowsy,   unijiterested  mind   which 
some  bring  to  the  exercises  of  the  class  ? — a.  mind 
which,  instead  of  eagerly  seizing,  examining  and  ex- 
tending all  that  is  presented  to  it,  can  hardly  be  stim- 
ulated  to  such  a  degree  of  attention  as  will  enable 
it  even  to  comprehend   what   is  said,  at  the  time, 
much  less  to  give  any  intelligent  account  of  it  after- 
wards.    You  may  rest  assured,  that  if  you  do  not 
gain  the  art  of  bringing  intense  interest   of  men- 
tal application    to  that   which  is  presented  to  you 
trom  time  to  time,   you  will  never  accomplish  much 
:in  any  species  of  mental  improvement 


I.ETTER     X. 


J ILiT    THOU  JiMYEST  KJVOTV  HOW  THOU    OUQHTEST  TO 
SiKHjiTE  THYSELF  /.V  THE  HOUSE  OF    GOD. 

iTim.  iii.  15. 


HABITS  IX  THE  PULPIT,  AND  IX  THE  HOUSE  OF  GOD. 
Mv    DEAR    YOUNG    FrIEND, 

The  Pulpit  has  been  sometimes  called  the  minis- 
(er''s  throne.  There  he  appears  to  perform  the 
most  important  part  of  his  publick  work.  And 
there,  if  any  where,  he  ought  to  be  seen  to  advan- 
tage. His  aspect,  his  attitudes,  and  his  whole  de- 
portment ought  to  correspond  with  the  gravity  and 
solemnity  of  his  message.  And  while,  on  the  one 
hand,  every  thing  like  pomp,  ostentation,  or  mock 
dignity,  should  be  avoided  as  hateful ;  on  the  other, 
all  coarseness,  Icvitj,  or  vulgarity:  every  thing  that 
borders  on  the  ludicrous,  or  the  want  of  real  dignit}-, 
ought  to  he  shunned  witli  no  less  care.  As  you  arc 
soon,  with  the  permission  of  Providence,  to  ascend 
the  pulpit,  I  am  anxious  that  you  should  have  some 
•just  ideas  how  you  ought  to  appear  there.  It  is  m} 
purpose,  tlicrefore,  in  the  present  Letter,  to  put  you 
on  your  guard  against  a  few  of  those  faults  which  1 
have  often  observed  ministers  to  commit  in  the  sa- 
cred desk  ;  and  to  otler  a  few  plain  counsels  which 
may  aid  you  in  avoiding  those  faults. 


LETTERS    ON    CLERICAL    MANNERS.  271 

1.  Avoid  all  unnecessary  expense  of  spirits^ 

VOICE,    AND    strength,    IMMEDIATELY     BEFORE    GO- 

rNG  INTO  THE  PuLPiT.  Thosc  who  are  not  aware 
of  the  difficulties  under  which  ministers  labour,  es- 
pecially such  of  them  as  have  weak  lungs,  or  gen- 
eral delicacy  of  health,  are  apt  to  call  upon  them 
for  services  which  require  much  effort,  just  before 
(he  commencement  of  the  public  service  in  the 
church.'  The  consequence  is,  that  they  sometimes 
ascend  the  pulpit  nearly  as  much  exhausted,  as,  at 
other  times,  when  they  quit  it.  This  cannot  always 
be  avoided  ;  but  it  certainly  ought  in  all  cases  to  be 
avoided,  when  it  can  be  consistently  with  duty. 
Guard  against  all  unnecessary  reading  aloud,  and 
every  thing  which  tends  to  produce  exhaustion  or 
weariness,  especially  of  the  lungs.  Make  a  point 
of  entering  on  the  service  of  the  sanctuary  in  all 
the  freshness  and  fulness  of  your  strength  and  spirits. 
In  this  case,  you  may  hope  to  perform  them  with 
more  vigour  and  animation  ;  with  more  comfort  to 
yourself;  and  with  more  profit  to  others.  Where- 
as if  you  either  inadvertently,  or  unavoidably,  fa- 
tigue yourself  before  you  go  to  the  Pulpit,  your 
whole  publick  work,  on  that  occasion,  will  probably 
be  dull  and  nerveless.  Hence  that  preacher  is  ex- 
tremely unwise,  who  sits  up  late  on  Saturday  night, 
and  exhausts  himself  in  making  preparations  for  the 
next  day.  Of  all  nights  in  the  week,  it  is  impor- 
tant that  that  which  immediately  precedes  the  sab- 
Inith,  should  be  passed  in  unbroken  sleep. 

2.  When  you  expect  to  preach,  instead  of  eat- 


27'2  LETTERS    ON   CLERICAL   MANNERS. 

iNG  MORE,  RATHER  EAT  LESS  THAN  ON  OTHER  DA\>. 

I  do  not  forget  that  no  rules  on  this  subject  can  be 
faid  down,  which  will  equally  suit  all  persons.  But, 
unless  I  am  greatly  deceived,  there  are  some  general 
principles  here,  which  admit  of  very  few  exceptions. 
And  one  of  these  I  believe  to  be,  that,  when  we  are 
about  to  make  a  great  exertion,  especially  in  speak- 
ing, a  state  of  repletion  is  so  far  from  being  advanta- 
geous, that  it  is  directly  the  reverse.  Try  it  when 
you  will,  you  will  find  that,  when  your  aliment  on  the 
siabbath  is  more  light  in  its  quality,  and  smaller  in 
quantity,  than  on  other  days,  you  will  go  through  the 
labours  of  the  day  with  more  ease  and  vivacity,  with 
far  less  subsequent  fatigue,  and  feel  much  better  the 
next  day,  than  when  you  take  an  opposite  course. 
Of  all  mistakes  on  this  subject,  that  is  the  greatest, 
which  dreams  of  deriving  unusual  strength  and  ani- 
mation for  the  labours  of  the  pulpit,  from  an  unusual 
indulgence  in  the  use  of  solid  food. 

3.  Never  habituate  yourself  to  the  use  of  many 
OF  those  tomcks,  nourishing  draughts,  and 
CLEARERS  OF  THE  VOICE,  of  which  many  make  such 
abundant  use.  I  have  known  some  preachers,  who 
abouijded  so  much  in  the  use  of  eggs,  and  honey,  and 
mint  drops,  and  spirits  of  lavender,  and  wine,  and 
sugar  candy,  <Sz:c.  (^c,  immediately  before  going 
to  the  pulpit,  that,  when  abroad,  and  among  those 
who  were  not  accustomed  to  their  habits,  they  were 
i<jally  troublesome  guests.  And  1  not  long  since  read 
a  work,  entitled  Medicines  Clerica,  from  the  pen  o( 
:m    Kngli?h  Clergyman,  in  which  the  writer  makr- 


LETTERS    O^    CLERICAL    MANNERS.  273 

preparation  for  entering  the  Pulpit  so  complicated  a 
dystem  ;  in  which  he  recommends  such  a  long  list  of 
drops,  and  lozenges,  and  stimulants,  and  remedies  for 
hoarseness,  and  such  an  endless  round  of  indulgences 
and  plans  for  "  ease  and  comfort,"  that  the  perusal  of 
his  book  appears  to  me  much  better  adapted  to  teach 
a  man  how  to  make  himself  a  hypochondriack,  than 
a  powerful,  active  preacher.  The  truth  is,  young 
preachers  do  not  stand  in  need  of  any  of  these  things » 
and  ought  not  to  use  them.  They  are  seldom  neces- 
sary for  any  one  who  does  not  make  them  so,  by  im- 
proper management.  If  you  ask  me,  what  plan  I 
would  recommend  for  keeping  the  lips  and  mouth 
sufficiently  moist,  and  for  clearing  the  voice,  in  the 
pulpit  ?  My  answer  is — I  would  recommend—^/w^if 
nothing  at  all.  Avoid  the  use  of  any  thing  for  this 
purpose.  Guard  against  the  miserable  servitude  of 
having  a  dozen  little  wants,  all  of  which  must  be  sup- 
phed  before  you  can  ascend  the  sacred  desk.  En= 
deavour,  by  temperance  and  exercise,  to  preserve 
in  vigour  your  general  health,  and  then,  unless  some 
organick  disease  should  render  some  application  to 
the  mouth  or  throat  necessary,  you  will  do  much 
better  without  any  thing  of  the  kind.  The  truth  is, 
this  is  one  of  the  numerous  cases  in  which,  the  more 
you  make  use  of  the  auxiliaries  of  which  I  speak,  tht 
more  indispensably  necessary  to  your  comfort  they 
will  be  likely  to  become,  until  you  may  convert  youi 
study  into  an  apothecary's  shop,  and  render  yourself 
a  poor  feeble  valetudinarian,  by  the  very  efforts 
which  you  make  to  avoid  the  evil.     On  this  subject 


'274       .■     LETTERS    ON    CLERICAL    MANNE]aS. 

I  speak  from  experience.  In  the  earlj  part  of  my 
ministry,  I  abounded  in  the  use  of  prescriptions  for 
strengthening  and  clearing  the  voice.  I  soon  dis- 
coveredT  however,  that  the  only  effect  of  them  was 
to  increase  the  difficulty  which  they  were  intended 
to  remedy ;  and  to  render  an  increase  both  in  tho 
frequency  and  quantity  of  the  applications  indispen- 
sable. Alarmed  at  this  discovery,  I  determined  to 
lay  them  all  aside.  I  did  so  ;  and  found,  when  the 
tirst  little  inconvenience  of  the  privation  had  passed 
away,  that  I  was  able  to  do  better  without  than  with 
them.  And  now,  with  a  delightful  independence  of 
all  my  former  little  wants,  for  Which  I  cannot  be  suf- 
ficiently thankful,  I  usually  go  to  the  pulpit  more 
comfortably,  without  a  single  medical,  or  dietetical 
application,  than  before  with  a  host  of  them. 

4.  Go  FROM  YOUR  KNEES  TO  THE  PULPIT.   The 

more  thoroughly  your  mind  is  steeped,  if  1  may  be 
allowed  the  expression,  in  the  spirit  of  prayer,  and  of 
communion  with  God,  when  you  ascend  the  sacred 
desk, the  more  easy  and  dehghtful  will  it  be  to  preach; 
the  more  rich  and  spiritual  will  your  preaching  be ; 
the  more  fervent  and  natural  your  eloquence  ;  and 
the  greater  the  probability  that  what  you  say  will  be 
made  a  blessing.  Be  assured,  my  dear  young  Friend, 
after  all  the  rules  and  instructions  which  have  been 
given  on  the  subject  of  pulpit  eloqneiice — and 
which  in  their  place  have  great  value — that  which 
unspeakably  outweighs  all  the  rest  in  importance,  is, 
that  you  go  to  the  sanctuary  with  a  heart  fdllof  your 
subject :  warmed  with  love  to  your  Master,  and  to 


LETTERS    ON    CLERICAL    ilANXERS.  2  t  ;j 

immortal  souls  ;  remembering  too,  that  the  eye  of 
that  Master  is  upon  you  ;  and  that  of  the  sermon 
which  you  are  about  to  deliver,  you  must  soon  give 
an  account  before  his  judgment  seat.  With  these 
sentiments  in  full  force,  it  is  always  desirable,  both 
for  your  own  sake  and  that  of  others,  that  you  should 
enter  the  pulpit.  And  1  know  of  no  means  more 
likely  to  produce  them,  than  humble  importunity 
before  the  throne  of  grace. 

5.  Make  a  point  of  being  AS  perfectly  Fr^XTr- 
AL  AS  POSSIBLE  in  attending  at  the  appointed  hour 
for  publick  service.  A  punctual  minister  makes  a 
punctual  congregation.  Whereas  if  the  minister  be 
lardy,  or  variable,  as  to  the  time  of  his  attendance, 
he  scarcely  ever  fails  to  induce  a  similar  habit  an  the 
part  of  his  parishioners.  The  consequence  of  thi*? 
is,  that  a  considerable  portion  of  them  seldom  arrive 
till  the  sevice  is  nearly  half  over  ;  thereby  diminish- 
ing their  own  profit,  and  disturbing  the  devotions  of 
those  who  are  more  punctual  than  themselves.  W^ith 
regard  to  country  congregations,  other  evils,  quite  as 
serious,  flow  from  this  unhappy  practice.  The  peo- 
ple are  frequently  permitted  by  the  minister  to  wail 
for  his  arrival  half  an  hour,  and  sometimes  longer,  af- 
ter the  major  part  of  them  are  assembled.  This  in- 
terval, instead  of  being  spent  profitably,  by  the  mass 
of  the  attendants,  is  commonly  passed  in  vain  and 
unprofitable  conversation,  if  not  in  that  which  is  of 
a  worse  character ;  communications  take  place  which 
render  the  minds  of  many  wholly  unfit  for  the  solemn 
services  which  follow,  and  perhaps  lead  to  injtiri- 


276  LETTERS    ON    CLERICAL    MANNERS. 

ous  engagements,  after  those  services  are  ended. 
Thus,  in  many  cases,  incalculable  mischief  is  done. 
I  would  advise  you  to  accustom  the  people,  by  your 
own  example,  to  absolute  punctuality.  Endeavour 
to  be  always  seated  in  the  pulpit  a  few  minutes  6e- 
fore  the  arrival  of  the  time  appointed  for  commenc- 
ing the  service.  Begin  preciselv,  at  the  time,  or,  at 
any  rate,  within  five  minutes  after  it,  even  if  you 
have  but  a  dozen  hearers.  Wait  for  no  one.  If 
this  plcin  be  adopted,  and  persisted  in,  and  notice 
given  according!},  you  will  soon  be  rid  of  all  trouble 
from  this  source :  and  many  precious  hours  will  be 
saved  to  yourself,  as  well  as  to  the  people  of  your 
charge. 

6.  Let  your  mode  of  entering  the  house  of 
God,  and  of  walking  along  the  aisle,  toward 
the  pulpit,  be  grave,  dignified,  and  yet  per- 
fectly SIMPLE  AND  UNAFFECTED.  Fcw  things  are 
more  unbecoming,  t  an  to  see  an  ambassador  of 
Christ,  who  enters  the  sanctuary  for  the  purpose  of 
conducting  the  devotions  of  a  religious  assembly,  and 
of  addressing  them  on  the  most  momentous  of  all 
subjects,  walking  with  hurried  steps,  or  in  a  light, 
airy  manner  ;  looking  over  the  house,  as  he  enters  it, 
as  if  in  search  of  an  acquaintance  ;  and  perhaps,  even 
bowing  to  those  who  are  seated  near  him  as  he  pass- 
es. All  this  T  have  frequently  seen,  and  ritver  with- 
out disapprobation  and  disgust.  How  much  more 
suitable,  to  manifest  the  spirit  and  feelings  of  the 
pulpit  before  you  enter  it ;  to  approach  it  with  a  de- 
liberate and  grave  step,  with  a  serious  and  fixed  coun- 


LETTERS    ON   CLERICAL    MANNERS*  277 

tenance,  and  taking  but  little  notice  of  any  external 
objects  around  you  !  Do  not,  in  these  circumstances 
even  accost  an  individual,  if  you  can  easily  avoid  it. 
And  instead  of  mounting  the  pulpit-steps  with  a  ra- 
pidity, or  an  affectation  of  gracefulness,  approaching 
the  artificial  skip  of  a  dancing-master,  let  it  be  al- 
ways done  with  that  mixture  of  gravity  and  gentle- 
ness, which  I  have  elsewhere  recommended  as  so  im- 
portant in  every  part  of  clerical  manners. 

7.  Let  every  look,  motion,  and   attitude    in 

THE  PULPIT  correspond  WITH  THE  GRAVITY  OF 
YOUR    CHARACTER,    AND    THE     SOLEMN    PURPOSE    FOR 

WHICH  YOU  ASCENDED  IT.  Let  there  be  no  roving 
of  the  eyes  over  the  assembly,  as  if  to  gratify  curio- 
sity, to  search  for  acquaintances,  or  to  indulge  vanity 
at  the  sight  of  a  crowd.  Let  there  be  no  adjust- 
ment of  the  dress,  as  if  you  were  anxious  about 
your  personal  appearance.  Every  thing  of  this 
kind  should  be  done  before  you  go  thither,  and  af- 
terwards entirely  dismissed  from  the  mind.  Let 
there  be  no  abrupt,  rapid  motions,  as  if  you  were 
hurried  or  agitated;  no  tossijig  about  of  books,  ov 
turning  over  their  leaves  in  a  hurried  manner,  as  if 
vexed  or  impatient.  But  let  every  movement,  and 
your  whole  demeanour,  be  of  the  calm,  sedate,  gen- 
tle character,  becoming  a  mind  withdrawn  from  the 
world  and  its  scenes ;  a  mind  even  withdrawn  from 
its  own  secular  feelings,  and  occupied  with  divine  con- 
templations ;  a  mind  softened,  tranquillized,  and 
adapted  to  its  holy  employment.  There  is  some- 
thing as  beautiful  as  it  is  impressive,  in  seeing  the 
2  a 


278  LETTERS   ON   CLERICAL    MANNERS. 

whole  air,  countenance  and  nnanner  of  a  man  of  God, 
who  is  just  about  to  deliver  the  message  of  his  Mas- 
ter, corresponding  with  his  office  and  his  work  :  and 
without  either  atlected  solemnity,  or  any  other  spe- 
cies of  affectation,  evincing  a  heart  absorbed  with  the 
great  objects  which  he  wishes  to  recommend  to  oth- 
ers. 

8.  I  have  noticed  in  some  ministers,  a  strikixg 
WANT  OF  DIGNITY  in  almost  every  thing  that  they 
did  in  the  pulpit.  If  they  had  occasion  to  give  any 
orders  to  the  sexton  ;  or  to  announce  any  publick 
notification  ;  or  to  address  any  one  in  the  church,  at 
some  distance  from  the  pulpit,  it  was  done  in  a  man- 
ner much  more  adapted  to  promote  ridicule,  than  im' 
pressions  corresponding  with  the  sabbath  and  the 
house  of  God.  If  they  had  occasion  to  discharge 
saliva  from  their  mouths,  in  the  midst  of  the  publick 
service,  it  was  accomplished  very  unceremoniously, 
throwing  it  about  otTensively,  and  perhaps  with 
noise,  without  the  use  of  a  handkerchief.  In  short, 
their  whole  manner  of  performing  every  thing  they 
were  called  to  do  or  say,  was  without  taste,  without 
that  quiet  and  gentle  dignity,  which  ought  ever  to 
mark  what  is  done  in  the  sacred  desk.  Carefully 
guard  against  such  coarse,  repulsive  habits.  Let 
nothing  escape  you,  which  may  tend,  either  in  mat- 
ter or  manner,  to  jar  the  feelings  of  the  most  fastidi- 
ous member  of  the  assembly  who  is  reasonable,  or  to 
produce  an  emotion  unfriendly  to  that  solemn  chris- 
tian composure  which  becomes  the  place. 

$.  Let  not  your  commencement  of  the  publick 


LETTERS    ON    CLERICAL    MANNERS.  279 

SERVICE,  either  as  to  voice  or  manner,  be  abrupt, 
harsh,  or  loud ;  but  studiously  gentle  and  reveren- 
tial. Offences  against  this  obvious  rule  of  propriety 
are  exceedingly  common.  Every  thing  that  looks 
like  haste,  or  the  want  of  due  solemnity,  never  fails 
to  repel  correct  minds.  And  every  thing  in  the 
tones  of  the  voice,  which  indicates  the  absence  of 
that  sacred  awe  which  ought  to  fill  the  mind  in  enter- 
ing on  the  duty  of  dispensing  sacred  things,  is  no  less 
obvious  and  repulsive.  Let  your  whole  manner,  in 
first  rising  in  the  pulpit,  be  in  harmony  with  the  oc- 
casion and  the  place. 

10.  Be   not   in  haste  to  pass  frojvi  one  part 

or  THE  SERVICE  TO  ANOTHER,  BEFORE  THE  PRE- 
CEDING IS  FINISHED.  It  is  by  no  means  uncommon 
to  see  .the  occupant  of  a  pulpit  rise  for  prayer,  be- 
fore the  psalm  is  completed  ;  and  still  more  frequent- 
ly, rise  to  commence  his  sermon,  while  the  praises  of 
God  are  going  on.  Nay,  while  the  last  verse  of  the 
psalm  or  hymn  was  singing,  I  have  known  several 
who  always  stood  up ;  turned  over  the  leaves  of  the 
Bible ;  adjusted  marks  for  passages  to  which  they 
wished  to  refer ;  and  seemed  to  be  entirely  absorbed 
in  something  entirely  different  from  that  part  of  the 
service  which  was  then  going  on.  I  must  confess 
this  strikes  me  as  a  great  impropriety.  Is  the  con- 
ductor of  the  publick  service  to  consider  himself  ac 
taking  a  part  in  it  or  not  ?  If  he  do,  then  surely,  he 
ought  not  to  pass  from  one  to  another,  until  the  for- 
mer be  finished.  While  he  is  eagerly  engaged  in 
searching  for  passages  of  Scripture,  he  cannot  be 


280  LETTERS    ON   CLERICAL    3IANXEES. 

really  uniting  with  his  fellow  worshippers  in  singing 
the  praises  of  God  from  the  heart,  however  his  lips 
and  voice  may  be  employed.  Besides ;  where  is  the 
need  of  so  much  expedition  ?  Why  should  you  be  in 
haste  to  pass  on  to  another  exercise,  until  the  pre- 
ceding is  completed  ?  If  the  worship  of  God  were 
irksome,  and  you  wished  to  bring  it  to  a  close  as 
soon  as  possi+)le ;  or  if  you  believed  your  sermon  to 
be  much  better  than  prayer  or  praisg,  you  might  be 
in  a  hurry  to  pass  from  the  latter  to  the  former. 
But  as  you  would  not  be  willing  to  avow  either  of 
Ihese,  let  nothing  that  would  imply  either  mark  the 
progress  of  the  publick  service. 

11.  But  sometimes  a  still  more  striking  ;a<Jec<3rum 
occurs.  It  is  that  of  a  minister  who,  when  standing' 
in  the  pulpit,  while  a  brother  is  offjciatrng  in  prayer, 
has  been  occupied,  a  number  of  minutes  before  the 
prayer  was  ended,  in  looking  for  the  psalm  which 
was  to  succeed,  or  for  the  chapter  which  was  to  be 
read  ;  and  actually  rustling  the  leaves  for  that  pur„ 
pose,  in  a  manner  audible,  as  well  as  visible,  to  the 
greater  part  of  the  congregation.  It  is  difficult  to 
speak  of  such  a  practice  in  terms  of  sufficiently 
strong  reprobation.  It  is,  indeed,  an  offence  against 
decorum  so  flagrant  that  it  is  wonderful  how  any  one 
who  had  the  least  desire  either  to  be,  or  to  be  thought 
devout,  could  possibly  fall  into  it. 

12.  Let  me  advise  you,  in  publick  prayer  al- 
ways TO  CLOSE  YOUR  EYES.  I  should  not  mention  this, 
were  it  not  that  some  ministers  of  our  church,  and 
some  of  no  inconsiderable  eminence,  have  been  in 


LETTERS    ON    CLEllICAL    MANNERS.  281 

the  habit  of  conducting  publick  prayer  with  their 
eyes  open,  to  the  great  annoyance  of  many  who  wit- 
nessed the  practice  ;  and  were  it  not  also,  that  the 
celebrated  and  truly  excellent  Dr.  Doddridge,  in 
his  "Lectures  on  Preaching,  &:c.,"  seems  to  give  it 
the  sanction  of  his  advice.  I  am  persuaded  that  if 
you  can,  without  great  inconvenience  to  yourself, 
keep  your  eyes  constantly  shut  in  this  exercise,  it 
will  be  found  much  preferable  to  the  opposite  me- 
thod. To  many  persons,  the  appearance  of  the 
eyes  open  in  prayer  is  really  painful  And  when 
they  are  kept  open,  it  is  extremely  difficult,  especial- 
ly to  some  individuals,  to  keep  them  from  wander- 
ing to  different  objects,  and  parts  of  the  church,  and 
thus,  in  some  degree,  interfering  with  that  entire  ab- 
straction of  the  thoughts  from  sensible  objects  which 
is  certainly  desirable. 

13.  Study  to  administer  the  Sacraments  of 
the  church  in  a  manner  adapted  to  make  a 
distinct  and  SOLEMN  IMPRESSION.  Let  there  be 
no  appearance  of  coarseness,  haste,  or  carelessness  in 
your  mode  of  administering  those  peculiarly  interest- 
ing ordinances.  As  they  mean  much  in  reality ;  so 
let  them  be  seen  to  mean  much  in  your  hands. 
When  you  are  about  to  administer  the  ordinance  of 
Baptism,  either  to  adults,  or  infants,  be  careful  to  in- 
form the  persons  concerned,  unless  you  are  perfect- 
ly sure  that  they  are  informed  beforehand,  of  all  the 
questions  which  you  intend  to  address  to  them  ;  where 
and  how  they  are  to  stand,  &c. ;  as  these  are  points 
with  respect  to  which  the  usages  of  churches  are  not 
2  A 


282  LETTERS    OX    CLERICAL    MANNERS. 

entirely  uniform.  In  short,  try  to  guard  against  their 
being  taken  by  surprise,  or  embarrassed  by  any  part  • 
of  the  service.  In  like  manner,  in  the  administration 
of  the  Lord's  Supper,  whether  the  communicants 
sit  at  tables  or  in  pews,  take  care  to  have  every  thing 
so  far  prepared  and  adjusted  beforehand,  as  that 
there  may  be  nothing  likely  to  occur  to  jar  the  feel- 
ings, to  incommode,  or  to  impair  the  solemnity  of  the 
scene.  Let  there  be  no  undue  haste  ;  no  omission  of 
what  is  necessary  for  the  comfort  of  the  communi- 
cants and  others ;  but  every  thing  studiously  order- 
ed in  such  a  manner  as  to  render  the  whole  occa- 
sion, as  far  as  possible,  solemn,  impressive,  and  ed- 
ifying to  all  classes  w^ho  may  witness  it. 

14.  Guard  against  making  your  tublick  ser- 
vices TOO  LONG.  The  opposite  to  this  advice  is  a 
fault  which  often  occurs,  and  which  is  always  un- 
friendly to  edification.  Whenever  w^eariness  begins, 
edification  terminates.  It  was  well  said  by  Jfhite- 
fields  that  a  sermon  of  more  than  an  hour  long, 
though  preached  by  an  angel,  would  appear  tedi- 
ous, unless  the  hearers  were  angels  too.  Where  there 
is  more  than  one  service  statedly  performed,  no  ser- 
mon ought  ever,  on  an  ordinary  occasion,  to  be  more 
than  forty -five  minutes  in  length ;  nor  ought  the  whole 
service,  at  any  one  time,  to  be  longer  than  an  hour 
and  a  half.  And  if,  at  any  time,  you  are  compelled^ 
by  special  circumstances,  to  preach  longer,  let  all  the 
other  parts  of  the  service  be,  in  a  corresponding  de- 
gree, abridged.  Some  ministers  manifest  a  degree 
of  thoughtlessness,  or  want  of  judgment,  on  this 
subject,  truly  wonderful.     If  at  any  time  they  are  be- 


lETTERS    ON  CLERICAL    MANNERS.  283 

irayed  into  an  inordinate  tediousness  in  their  ser- 
mons, they  seldom  fail,  at  the  same  time,  to  make 
the  portion  of  Scripture  read,  the  prayers,  and  the 
psalms,  all  in  like  proportion  tedious.  This  is  extreme- 
ly ill  judged,  and  often  interferes  most  essentially 
with  the  edification  of  many  hearers.  It  appears 
to  me  proper  to  urge  this  advice  with  especial  ear- 
nestness, in  reference  to  those  occasions  on  which 
the  Lord's  Supper  is  dispensed.  At  such  peculiar- 
ly solemn  and  interesting  seasons,  when  the  services 
are  unavoidably  much  longer  than  those  of  an  ordi- 
nary sabbath,  1  have  often  been  surprised  to  see 
clergymen  take  so  little  care  to  abridge  th'^se  parts 
of  the  service  which  easily  admit  of  being  shortened. 
On  such  occasions,  by  making  the  sermon  shorter 
than  usual,  and  by  lopping  off  a  small  portion  from 
each  of  the  other  exercises,  a  very  convenient  length 
of  the  whole  may  be  readily  attained. 

15.  Never  render    yourself    remarkable  by 

CONTINUALLY       MAKING      A      DISPLAY     OF      A      WHITE 

HANDKERCHIEF  IN  THE  PULPIT.  I  Say,  by  making 
a  display  of  it.  To  /lave  such  a  handkerchief,  if  con- 
venient, in  the  pulpit,  and  to  use  it  on  proper  occa- 
sions, and  in  a  proper  way,  are  by  no  means  objec- 
tionable. But  to  hold  it  up  frequently,  and  in  a  flour- 
ishing manner,  as  if  to  invite  the  notice  of  the  congre- 
gation, is  a  practice  unworthy  of  a  man  of  sense. 
Indeed  with  regard  to  every  part  of  your  dress,  or 
other  appendage  of  your  person,  never  allow  it,  on 
any  occasion,  to  have  the  appearance  of  engaging 
a  single  thought. 

16.  When  you  have  occasion  to  reprove  anv 


284  LETTERS   ON   CLERICAL  MANNERS. 

DISORDERLY  PERSON  IN  THE  HOUSE  OF  GoD,  GUARD 
AGAINST  INDULGING  OR  BETRAYING  IRASCIBLE  FEEL- 
ING. It  is  peculiarly  unseeml},  and  out  of  season, 
for  a  minister  of  the  gospel,  in  the  pulpit,  and  in  the 
very  act  of  exhorting  men  to  obey  the  commands  of 
God,  to  lose  his  temper,  and  give  way  to  that  which 
may  even  possibly  be.  regarded  as  an  effusion  of  an- 
ger. Do  not  make  your  reproofs  from  the  pulpit 
very  frequent,  or  else  they  will  become  cheap.  When 
you  think  yourself  called  in  duty  to  administer  a 
reproof,  do  it  seriously  and  solemnly,  but  mildly. 
Sometimes  it  is  best  to  come  to  a  full  stop,  and  look 
at  the  individual  offending,  in  perfect  silence,  until 
every  eye  shall  be  directed  toward  him.  At  other 
times,  it  may  be  proper  to  request  the  sexton  to 
attend  to  those  persons  who  are  disturbing  the  con- 
gregation, and  to  direct  them,  if  they  cannot  be  per- 
suaded to  behave  decently,  to  leave  the  assembly. 
Sometimes  a  pause,  without  naming  or  indicating 
any  individual,  and  uttering  a  sentence  or  two  on  the 
importance  of  reverencing  the  name  and  worship 
of  Jehovah,  may  answer  every  purpose.  The  cases 
1  presume,  will  ever  be  found  few  in  which  it  can 
be  necessary  to  administer  a  direct  and  personal  re- 
buke. But,  whatever  may  be  the  form  of  admonition 
which  the  case  requires,  deliver  it  in  a  grave,  mild, 
and  gentle  manner.  Never  attempt  to  taunt  the  of- 
fenders by  sarcasm,  or  to  turn  the  laugh  on  them  by 
wit.  This  might  do  very  well  in  a  secular  assem- 
bly ;  but  is  not  proper  for  a  minister  of  religion,  and 
in  the  house  of  God. 


LETTERS    ON    CLERICAL    MANNERS.  285 

17.  Let  your  deportment  IN  quitting  the  pulpit, 
AND  withdrawing  frOxM  THE  CHURCH,  be  of  thc 
same  general  character  with  that  which  was  recom- 
mended in  approaching  and  entering  it.  Retire  as 
soon  as  you  can,  gravely,  silently,  and  alone.  Dis- 
countenance the  practice  which  1  have  known  some 
ministers  to  indulge  to  a  considerable  extent ;  I  mean 
that  of  stopping  to  converse  with  a  number  of  indi- 
viduals, at  the  close  of  the  publick  service ;  with 
some,  as  a  mere  matter  of  social  respect  and  cere- 
mony,  with  others,  perhaps,  on  the  subject  of  the 
discourse  just  delivered  ;  and  with  a  third  class  on 
the  subject  of  religioji  generally.  In  general,  give  no 
encouragement  to  any  of  these  classes  of  persons  to 
^tC  for  Ih?  nurnose  of  conversing  with  you  at  this 
unseasonable  time.  Not  ihejirst  class ;  because  mere 
social  conversation  isextre  n!y  ai't,  even  on  the  sab- 
bath, and  in  the  house  of  God,  to  degenerate  into 
worldly  chat,  before  we  are  aware,  and  to  banish 
from  the  mind  the  most  solemn  subjects  of  contem- 
plation in  which  we  may  have  been  en^^aged.  Not 
even,  in  ordinary  cases,  the  second  and  third  class- 
es ;  because,  although  it  may,  on  some  special  oc- 
casions, be  your  duty  to  gratify  those  who  may  wish 
to  remain  a  few  minutes,  for  the  purpose  of  con- 
versing with  you,  and  it  mi^ht  appear  morose  to  de- 
cline it;  yet  yielding  to  di  practice  of  that  kind,  may 
be  very  injurious.  At  the  close  of  the  publick  ser- 
vice, you  will  generally  find  yourself  fatigued,  and 
often  exhausted.  This  is  a  very  unfit  condition  in 
which  to  enter  on  conversation  in  reference  to  the 


':28G  LETTERS    ON    CLERICAL    MANNERS. 

most  important  of  all  subjects.  And,  frequentl} , 
has  a  minister,  before  he  was  aware,  materially  in- 
jured himself,  by  pausing  to  engage  in  conversation, 
while  fatigued  with  a  preceding  service. 

Besides,  on  the  score  oiexam;.le^  ministers  ought. 
])y  all  means,  to  be  in  the  habit  of  retiring  from  the 
house  of  God  to  their  place  of  abode,  in  serious  and 
solemn  silence.  What  would  be  the  consequence, 
if  every  hearer,  at  the  close  of  the  publick  service, 
w^ere  to  linger  ahout  the  church,  receiving  and  pay- 
ing civilities ;  making  social  inquiries ;  hearing  or 
telling  news ;  or  even  conversing  on  the  subject  of 
the  minister's  discourse  ?  Is  it  not  evident  that  a 
scene  of  noise  and  disorder  must  ensue,  and  that 
the  practical  influence  of  the  exercises  of  the  sanG'« 
tuary,  would  probably  be  very  transient  ?  And  shall 
a  minister,  by  his  own  example,  sanction  any  thing 
which,  if  it  were  to  be  :ome  general,  would  produce 
incalculable  mischief?  I  have  known  many  a  con- 
gregation, especially  in  the  country,  the  members 
of  which  were  in  the  habit  of  spending  a  considera- 
ble time,  both  before  the  commencement,  and  after 
the  close  of  the  publick  service,  in  social  chat,  and 
sometimes  in  that  of  a  very  light  and  unsuitable 
kind.  And  I  must  say,  that,  in  general,  when  I  have 
observed  this,  I  have  been  strong! \  irclined  to  lay  a 
large  share  of  the  blame  at  the  door  of  their  pastor. 
If  a  proper  examide  h  id  been,  in  all  cases,  set  by 
him,  such  a  practice  could  not  have  been  long  kept 
in  countenance. 

1 8.  When  you  are  seated  in  the  pulpit  with  ano- 


LETTERS  ON  CLERICAL  MANNERS.      287 

ther  minister,  let  your  conversation  with  him 
BE  in  a  low  and  inaudible  VOICE.  1  have  known 
a  minister,  sitting  in  the  pulpit  with  a  clerical  bro- 
ther, to  talk  so  loudly  that  the  sound  of  his  voice 
might  be  heard  almost  over  the  whole  church.  I 
have  known  others,  so  far  to  forget  themselves  as 
not  only  to  smile,  but  to  laugh  outright,  at  some- 
thing which  had  been  said  in  the  course  of  this  pul- 
pit dialogue.  Every  thing  of  this  kind,  makes  an 
unpleasant  impression,  and  ought  to  be  avoided. 
Let  all  conversation  in  the  pulpit  be  conducted  in  a 
whisper,  audible  to  none  but  those  who  are  engaged 
in  it ;  and  let  the  most  perfect  gravity  of  counten- 
ance be  constantly  maintained,  There  is  no  doubt 
that  cases  may  occur  in  which  a  smile  in  the  pulpit 
may  be  very  innocent.  But  how  shall  the  members 
of  a  congregation  know  when,  or  how  far,  it  is  so  in 
any  particular  instance  ?  The  motto  of  every  chris- 
tian, and  especially  of  every  christian  minister  on 
all  such  occasions  is,  "  Shun  the  very  appearance  of 
evil." 

19.  I  know  not  a  more  suitable  place  than  this  for 
taking  notice  of  another  habit  frequently  indulged 
by  clergymen.     I  mean   the  habit  of  co^ versing 

ALOUD,  AND  SOMETIMES  EVEN  JOCULARLY,  AT  FU- 
NERALS. If  ministers  of  religion  find  no  convenient 
opening,  at  funerals,  for  making  appropriate  remarks 
"on  the  frailty  of  life,  and  the  importance  of  being 
prepared  for  death  and  eternity,"  they  at  least  owe 
it  to  decorum  not  to  join  in  conversation  calculated 
to  banish  such  thoughts  from  their  own  minds,  and 


288  LETTERS    ON   CLERICAL   MANNERS. 

those  of  others.  I  have  often  been  surprised  and 
pained  to  hear  such  conversations  carried  on  in  fu- 
neral assemblies,  when  several  ministers  of  the  Gos- 
pel were  present.  If  you  cannot  regulate  the  course 
of  conversation  more  agreeably  to  your  mind,  it  is 
far  better  to  sit  gravely  silent.  Let  it  be  seen  that 
there  is  at  least  one  person  present,  who  is  engaged 
in  serious  meditation.  Let  me  also  advise  you  to 
observe  the  same  rule  when  you  are  walking  in 
procession  at  funerals,  to  the  place  of  interment.  I 
have  seen  ministers,  in  these  circumstances,  talking, 
and  e\  en  laughing  audibly,  on  indifferent  subjects.  Is 
not  this  a  manifest  indecorum  ?  Surely  it  is  not  re- 
quiring too  much  to  say,  that  when  you  are  convey- 
ing the  dead  to  the  "  house  appointed  for  all  living," 
your  subjects  of  discourse,  your  countenance,  and 
your  tones  of  voice,  ought  to  be  of  that  grave, 
thoughtful,  and  subdued  character,  which  is  in  har- 
mony with  the  scene. 

20.  Sometimes  when  a  brother  occupies  your 
place  in  the  pulpit,  you  may  be  called  upon  to  make 
a  prayer,  either  before  or  after  sermon.  Whenever 
this   is   the    case,   carefully    avoid  making  the 

PRAYER    A    VEHICLE    OF    FLATTERY    tO  him  who    haS 

just  preached,  or  w  ho  is  about  to  perform  that  ser- 
vice. This  is  frequently  done  ;  and  yet  it  is  obvious- 
ly, in  a  high  degree,  both  criminal  and  contemptible. 
We  may,  indeed,  sometimes,  almost  apply  to  it  the 
language  of  an  inspired  apostle,  on  another  occasion, 
and  call  it  '•  lying  to  the  Holy  Ghost."  Let  no  such 
impious  sycophancy  ever  pollute  those  prayers  in 


LETTERS   ON  CLEHICAL    MANIfERS.  2S9 

which  a  whole  assembly  are  expected  to  join.  Let 
me  also  put  you  on  your  guard  against  flattering  a 
brother,  who  has  just  laboured  for  you,  in  a  manner 
less  impious,  but  still  worthy  of  being  totally  con- 
demned. I  refer  to  the  niauner  in  w  hich  many  min- 
isters are  in  the  habit  of  making  their  grateful  ac- 
knowledgments to  their  brethren,  for  the  official  help 
afforded  them  ;  too  frequently  in  the  style  of  flat- 
tery^ sometimes  in  that  of  a  very  gross  kind  ;  laud- 
ing their  sermons  in  strong  terms  ;  and  addressing 
them  in  a  way  which,  if  it  do  not  minister  to  their 
vanity,  it  is  because  it  is  too  fulsome  to  be  mischiev- 
ous. Shun  every  approach  to  this  sin.  To  thank 
a  brother  for  his  services,  if  they  be  really  valuable, 
is,  in  common,  quite  enough.  If  there  be,  in  any 
case,  a  call  to  go  further,  and  to  express  a  favoura- 
ble opinion  of  a  sermon,  let  it  be  done  with  studied 
moderation,  and  always  rather  fall  below  the  truth 
than  transcend  it. 

21,  When  you  appear  in  the  sanctuary  as  an  or- 
dinary hearer,  let  your  deportment  ever  exemplify 
those  rules   of  serious,   meek,    axd   respectful 

ATTENTION     WHICH     YOU     INCULCATE     ON     OTHERS. 

It  has  been  remarked,  that  some  clergymen  are 
among  the  most  inattentive  and  irreverent  hearers 
that  enter  the  house  of  God.  Perhaps  one  of  the 
infelicities  of  their  profession  is,  that  they  are 
loo  apt  to  hear  as  criticks  ;  to  be  constantly  mea- 
suring the  discourses  of  others,  by  those  canons  of 
composition,  which  they  have  been  in  the  habit  of 
regarding  as  obligatory;  and  when  these  arepalpa- 
2b 


290-  LETTERS   ON   CLERICAL    MAIfKERS. 

biy  violated,  to  manifest  by  their  looks  and  man- 
ners, the  disrespectful  feelings  which  occupy  their 
minds.  Hence,  they  turn  away  from  the  preacher, 
as  if  desirous  of  escaping  from  the  sound  of  his 
voice,  gaze  about  the  house,  or  lean  down  their 
heads,  as  if  endeavouring  to  compose  themselves  to 
sleep.  I  have  also  known  ministers  who  were  in 
the  constant  habit  of  placing  themselves,  during  pub- 
lick  prayer,  conducted  by  others,  in  such  postures, 
and  to  indulge  in  such  employments,  as  have,  to  saj' 
the  least,  very  little  of  the  appearance  of  devotion. 
Some  clergymen,  during  publick  prayer,  are  fre- 
quently, if  not  generally,  employed  in  looking  round 
the  church,  in  adjusting  their  dress,  in  fixing  their 
hair,  and  in  constantly  changing  their  posture,  as  if 
impatient  of  the  continuance  of  the  exercise.  All 
this  is  indecorous  in  any  one  ;  but  especially  in  a  min- 
ister of  the  gos])el.  If  he  allow  himself  thus  to  act. 
Avhat  can  be  expected  from  the  mass  of  hearers,  who 
always  look  to  those  who  sustain  the  sacred  office  to 
go  before  them  in  devotion,  purity,  and  every  thing 
that  is  ornamental  in  christian  deportment  ? 

To  this  point  allow  me  to  direct  your  particular 
attention.  Let  none  have  occasion  to  say,  that  your 
devotion  is  official^  not  personal ;  and  that,  when 
you  are  out  of  the  pulpit,  you  can  be  as  remote 
from  the  solemnity  which  becomes  the  house  of  God, 
as  any  of  your  neighbours.  On  the  contrary,  let 
your  serious  countenance,  your  wakeful,  erect,  fixed 
attention,  your  meek,  respectful  air,  your  universal- 
ly devout  manner,  even  when  you  are  seated  among 


LETTERS  ON  CLERICAL  MANNERS.      291 

others,  as  a  common  worshipper,  manifest  that  you 
are  yourself  really  engaged  in  those  things  which, 
from  the  pulpit,  you  recommend  to  others.  Re- 
member that,  if  your  performances  in  the  pulpit, 
from  sabbath  to  sabbath,  put  to  the  test  your  77iinis~ 
terial  gifts;  your  manner  of  attending  on  the  ser- 
vice of  the  sanctuary,  as  a  common  worshipper,  puts 
to  an  equally  decisive  test  your  christian  graces. 
When  you  join,  then,  in  the  devotions  led  by  ano- 
ther, and  listen  to  instruction  from  a  brother's  lips, 
endeavour  to  lay  aside  the  feelings  of  the  minister, 
and  to  sit,  an  humble,  candid  learner  at  the  feet  of 
lh.e  Saviour's  servant :  recollecting  that,  if  you  are 
saved,  it  must  be  by  the  same  rich  grace  ;  and  if 
edified  and  comforted,  it  must  be  by  the  same  sim- 
ple, precious,  humbling  truths  and  promises  which 
you  recomniend  to  the  most  illiterate  of  your  hear- 
ers. In  a  word,  I  am  persuaded  that  ministers,  by 
their  exemplary  manner  of  attending  on  the  minis- 
trations of  others,  may,  and  often  do,  preach  as  so- 
lemnly, and  impress  those  around  them  as  powerful- 
ly, as  by  the  best  services  which  they  ever  perform 
in  the  sacred  desk. 

22.  Avoid  MUCH    exposure    to    cold    air    im- 
mediately   AFTER     LEAVING     THE     PULPIT.      YoU 

ought  to  be  aware  that  cold  air  received  into  your 
lungs,  or  striking  on  your  body,  while  you  are  warm 
with  speaking,  is  peculiarly  dangerous,  and  may  be 
productive  of  fatal  mischief.  Carefully  avoid  such 
exposure,  especially  in  very  damp  or  piercing  wea- 
ther.    When  you  leave  the  church,  in  such  weather. 


292  LETTERS   ON   CLEBICAL   MANNERS. 

throw  around  your  person  a  warm  cloak.  Hold  if 
up  in  such  a  manner  as  completely  to  cover  your 
mouth  and  nostrils  ;  and  take  care  to  inhale  none 
but  the  air  which  is  inclosed,  and  the  temperature 
of  which  is  moderated,  by  your  cloak.  And,  let  me 
add,  take  all  these  precautions  at  night  with  veri/ 
particulate  care.  Some  preachers,  after  having  ad- 
dressed crowded  assemblies,  in  very  cold  weather, 
in  the  evening,  o  not  scruple  to  ride  home,  several 
miles,  at  a  late  hour.  This  is  always  dangerous,  and 
ought  never  to  be  done  without  wrapping  up  withjwe- 
ci'liar  care,  and  using  every  precaution  to  guard 
your  body  and  lungs  against  the  night  air. 

23.  When  you  have  been  a  hearer,  do  not  quit 

THE  CHURCH  CRITICISING  ON  THE  SERMON,  AND 
ESPECIALLY    IN     AN     AUDIBLE    VOICE.       This    is    not 

unfrequently  done  ;  not  always  in  the  happiest  man- 
ner ;  and  sometimes,  unfortunately,  withih  the  hear- 
ing of  the  preacher.  The  character  of  a  criticising 
hearer  of  sermons,  is  not  a  very  good  one  at  best 
He  is  not  likely  to  obtain  much  practical  benefit 
from  hearing.  And  when  he  proclaims  his  criticisms, 
at  the  very  door  of  the  sanctuary,  or  on  his  way 
from  it,  he,  perhaps,  extends  an  injury  to  others. 
Always  be  a  candid  hearer  of  other  men's  sermons. 
When  you  can  speak  favourably  of  them,  do  it : 
but  not  noisily  or  publickly.  When  you  are  con- 
strained, if  you  say  any  thing,  to  censure,  give  utter- 
ance to  your  sentiments  as  gently  and  as  privately 
as  possible,  consistently  with  christian  intejirity. 

24.  Finally;  as  I  advised  you  to  ^o  from  ymtP 


LETTERS    ON    CLERICAL    MANNERS.  293 

fences  to  the  pulpit^  so  I  would,  with  equal  earnest- 
ness, advise  that  you  go  from  the  pulpit  to  your 
KNEES.  If  you  are  faithful,  you  will  often  exhort 
your  hearers  to  retire  from  the  'church  to  their  clo- 
set, to  meditate,  and  implore  the  divine  blessing  on 
what  they  have  heard.  And  why  is  it  not  equally 
the  privilege  and  duty  of  ministers  to  meditate  and 
implore  a  blessing  on  what  they  have  said  ?  Nay, 
has  not  the  spiritual  guide  more  numerous  and  more 
solemn  reasons  for  following  all  his  efforts  with  his 
prayers,  than  any  other  person  ?  It  was  well  remark- 
ed by  an  old  divine,  that  "  the  minister  who  is  more 
before  his  people  in  publick^  than  he  is  before  God 
for  ihem  in  private,  has  little  reason  to  expect  a 
blessing  on  his  labours/* 


2  B  2 


XifiTTZSR   XZ. 


AJfD     TBE    JJP0S7LES   ^JVD   ELDERS    CAME    TOGETHER 
FOR  TO  COJ^SIDER  OF  THIS  MATTER.  Acts  xv.  6. 


CONDUCT  IN  CHURCH  JUDICATORIEF. 

My  dear  YOUNG  Friend, 

I  have  repeatedly  had  occasion  to  observe,  thai 
every  part  of  the  deportment  of  a  minister  is  im- 
portant, both  to  himself  and  the  church.  He  can- 
not be  said,  in  the  discharge  of  any  official  duty,  to 
act  for  himself  alone.  In  all  that  he  does,  the  whole 
body  of  Christ  has  an  interest.  But  this  remark  ap- 
plies to  no  part  of  his  duty  more  strongly,  than  that 
which  he  performs  as  a  member  of  the  Judicatories 
of  the  Church.  When  a  minister  takes  his  seat  in 
any  one  of  these  Judicatories,  he  places  himself  in 
a  situation  in  w^hich  every  thing  that  he  says  and 
does,  may,  for  what  he  can  tell,  exert  an  influence  to 
the  remotest  bounds  of  the  Church  to  w^hich  he  be- 
longs, and  may  have  a  bearing  on  the  comfort,  res- 
pectability and  usefulness  of  his  brethren,  as  well  as 
himself,  to  an  extent  which  no  one,  at  present,  can 
measure.  In  this  situation,  he  is  called  continually 
to  act  with  others,  as  well  as  for  othei-s  ;  and  al- 
most every  hour  to  give  a  touch,  more  or  less  im* 
portant,  to  the  Ark  of  God. 


•  \ 
\ 


tETTERS   ON   CLERICAL  MANNERS.  2^5 

To  suppose  "a  steward  of  the  mysteries  of  God,'* 
Capable  of  addressing  himself  to  duties  so  peculiarly 
interesting  and  momentous  as  these,  with  levity  or 
indifference,  would  be  to  suppose  either  a  want  of 
consideration,  or  a  want  of  principle,  truly  deplora- 
ble. Here,  if  ever,  he  ought  to  be  awake  to  all  the 
solemnity  of  his  situation ;  and  to  be  anxious  to 
summon  to  his  aid  all  those  dictates  of  wisdom  and 
holy  fidelity  which  he  continually  needs.  He  who 
does  not  feel  deeply  serious,  when  he  is  about  to  de- 
liberate, with  his  brethren,  on  the  great  concerns  of 
the  Redeemer's  kingdom,  and  to  take  steps  wliich 
may  vitally  affect  that  kingdom,  not  only  in  a  single 
congregation,  but  in  many  congregations,  has  little  in- 
deed of  the  spirit  of  a  "  watchman  on  the  walls  of 
Zion."  And  he  who  is  not  aware  of  the  danger,  that 
his  own  prejudices,  passions,  and  folly  may  interpose 
an  unhallowed  influence  in  all  his  deliberations  and 
discussions  on  these  great  concerns,  will  not  be  like- 
ly to  be  much  employed  in  watching  and  praying 
against  that  influence. 

1  must  say,  that  there  appears  to  me  much  need 
of  attention  to  this  subject.  It  has  seldom  been  my 
lot  to  witness  the  proceedings  of  any  of  the  higher 
Judicatories  of  the  Church,  either  as  a  member  or 
spectator,  without  having  occasion,  as  I  thought,  to 
lament  that  correct  views  and  habits,  in  relation  to 
this  matter,  were  not  more  prevalent.  I  have  seen 
excellent  men  expose  themselves,  give  pain  to  others, 
and  even  embarrass  ecclesiastical  business,  by  mere 


296  LETTERS   ON  CLERICAL  MANNERS. 

inadvertence.  And  I  should  certainly  have  esteemed 
it  a  happy  circumstance  for  myself,  if  I  had  been 
put  on  my  guard,  in  early  life,  against  many  of  those 
mistakes  and  faults  into  which  I  fell,  from  want  of 
suitable  instruction  and  training,  on  a  pomt  so  deep- 
ly interesting  to  all  who  wish  to  see  dignity,  order, 
wisdom,  brotherly  love,  and  piety,  marking  the  pro- 
ceedings of  every  ecclesiastical  body. 

It  will  readily  occur  to  you  that  there  is  an  impor- 
tance attached  to  this  subject  which  is  altogether 
peculiar.  In  State  Legislatures,  in  Congress,  and 
in  most  of  the  secular  deliberative  Assembhes  which 
convene,  the  time  which  may  be  spent  in  their  ses- 
sions is  not  rigidly  limited.  If  the  debates  be  pro- 
tracted, and  they  cannot  complete  their  business  in 
three  or  fourweeks,they  may  take,  if  they  see  proper, 
double  or  treble  that  period.  And  if  a  high  degree 
of  heat,  disorder,  or  even  violence  should  unfortu- 
nately mark  their  proceedings,  decent  people  may 
deplore  it,  but  the  great  interests  of  Religion 
may  not  be  materially  compromitted,  inasmuch  as 
they  are  not  religious  bodies.  But  it  is  otherwise 
with  our  ecclesiastical  judicatories.  For  various 
reasons,  they  cannot  possibly  continue  to  sit  beyond 
a  very  few  days.  Every  moment,  therefore,  is  to 
them  doubly  precious.  Of  course,  every  moment's 
interruption,  and  every  unnecessary,  worthless 
speech,  become  serious  evils  ;  evils  to  the  cause  of 
Christ:  and  whenever  heat,  disorder  or  violence 
occur  among  the  Ministers  and  Elders  of  the  church, 
religion,  bleeds  at  every  pore.     As  ecclesiastical 


LETTERS    ON   CLERICAL   MANNERS.  297 

judicatories  are  purely  religious  bodies^  so  thev 

OUGHT    TO    BEAR    A     RELIGIOUS     CHARACTER,    in     all 

their  deliberations,  and  in  every  movement.  Surely, 
then,  this  is  a  concern  in  which  all  our  wisdom  as 
men,  and  all  our  piety  and  prudence  as  christians, 
are  most  solemnly  put  in  requisition. 

This  subject  is  so  extensive  that  I  cannot  under- 
take to  consider  it  in  its  minute  details.  Permit  me, 
however,  to  suggest  a  {gyt  general  counsels  ;  and 
to  accompany  each,  as  I  proceed,  with  some  brief 
explanatory  or  corroborative  remarks.    And 

1.  My  first  counsel    is  that  you  make  a  point 

OF  BEING  PERFECTLY  PUNCTUAL  IN  ATTENDING  ON 
EVERY  JUDICATORY  OF  THE  CHURCH  IN  WHICH  IT 
IS    YOUR    DUTY    TO    BE    PRESENT. 

This  is  a  duty  of  far  more  deep  and  vital  impor- 
tance than  most  ministers  appear  to  imagine.  The 
faithful  discharge  of  it  bears  relations,  and  exerts  an 
influence  which,  unless  I  am  deceived,  are  seldom 
duly  considered.  Among  the  many  reasons  which 
might  be  urged  in  favour  of  this  opinion,  the  fol- 
lowing are  certainly  entitled  to  your  serious  regard. 

( 1 .)  Your  ordination  vows,  will  demand  constant 
attention  to  this  duty.  In  that  solemn  hour,  in  which 
you  kneel  before  God,  and,  surrounded  by  the 
church  and  her  ministry,  receive  the  imposition  of 
"  the  hands  of  the  Presbytery,"  you  will  promise  to 
be  "  subject  to  your  brethren  in  the  Lord,"  and  to 
be  "  faithful  and  diligent  in  the  discharge  of  all  the 
puBLiCK,  as  well  as  the  private  duties  of  your  office.'" 
NoWj  there  is  scarcely  ixnypublic/c  duty  more  impor- 


298  LETTERS   ON   CLERICAL   MANNERS. 

tant  than  that  for  which  I  am  pleading.  Of  course, 
he  who  neglects  it,  violates  his  solemn  engagements. 
Nor  is  this  all.  These  judicatories  form  an  essential 
feature  of  Presbyterian  church  government.  To 
abolish  them^  would  be  to  abolish  Presbyterianism. 
Consequently  he  who  allows  himself  habitually  and 
unnecessarily  to  neglect  attendance  on  them — is  un- 
faithful to  his  solemn  profession- -is  no  presby- 
terian  in  fact,  whatever  he  may  be  in  name. 

(2.)  If  these  ecclesiastical  assemblies  ought  to  be 
maintained,  then  it  is  plain  that  all  who  are  properly 
members,  ought  to  be  punctual  in  their  attendance, 
On  the  principles  both  of  equity  and  benevolence. 
He  who  neglects  them,  thereby  refuses  to  render  his 
share  of  service  to  the  church,  and  throws  an  addi- 
tional and  unequal  burden  on  those  of  his  brethren 
who  make  conscience  of  attending.  Is  this  consis- 
tent with  good  morals,  to  say  nothing  of  higher  con- 
siderations ?  It  is,  certainly,  not  doing  to  others,  a^ 
we  would  that  they,  in  like  circumstances,  should  do 
to  us. 

(3)  A  punctual  attendance  on  the  ecclesiastical 
judicatories  to  which  a  minister  belongs,  is  indis- 
pensable to  his  attaining  a  high  and  desirable 
standing  among  his  brethren,  and  enjoying  their 
affectionate  confidence.  It  is  the  remark  of  one  of  the 
wisest  and  most  veneatred  ministers  of  the  Presby- 
terian church  now  living,  that  "  he  has  never  known 
a  minister,  in  our  connexion,  who  was  either  very 
useful,  or  very  respectable,  that  did  not  give  his  pres- 


LETTERS   ON   CLERICAL   MANNERS.  299 

cnce  at  Presbytery,  Synod,  and  Assembly,  whenever 
that  duty  became  incumbent."* 

The  reasons  are  many  and  obvious.  The  minister 
who  seldom  appears  among  his  brethren,  in  their  ec- 
clesiastical meetings,  has,  commonly,  but  little  inter- 
course with  them,  as  ministers,  at  all.  He  is,  con- 
sequently, but  little  known  to  them.  Of  course,  he 
cannot  possibly  enjoy  much  of  their  confidence,  or 
have  much  influence  among  them.  They  see  little 
of  him  in  person  ;  but  they  habitually  witness  his 
negligence  and  deficiencies.  Will  these  be  likely  to 
command  either  their  respect  or  their  love  ?  The 
minister,then,  who  unnecessarily  absents  himself  from 
the  judicatories  of  the  church,  does  a  complicated 
injury  to  the  cause  of  Christ ;  but  he  injures  his  own 
character,  standing,  and  influence  in  the  sacred  of- 
fice, quite  as  much,  if  not  more  than  any  other  in- 
terest. 

(4.)  A  punctual  attendance  on  the  ecclesiastical 
assemblies  under  consideration,  is  the  best  school  va 
the  world  in  which  to  study  Church  Govern- 
ment, I  know  that  you  have  read  books,  and  heard 
lectures  on  this  department  of  theological  study. 
But  the  knowledge  derived  from  books  and  lectures, 
is  apt  to  be  theoretical,  and  to  make  but  a  slight  im- 
pression on  the  mind.  When  you  come  to  occupy 
your  seat,  and  act  your  part  in  ecclesiastical  judica- 
tories, you  see  the  great  principles  of  church  gov- 
ernment, as  it  were,  embodied  and  exhibited  in  ac- 

*  Rev.  Dr.  Gbeen.  Charge,'jii  the  Ordination  of  Messrs i 
J.  B.  Linn.  &c. 


300  LETTEB.S   ON   CLERICAL   MANNERS. 

tual  cases.  And  being  called  upon  closely  to  con= 
template  these  cases,  to  study  them,  to  view  them 
under  various  aspects,  and  to  listen  to  ample  discus- 
sions on  tiieir  real  merits  ; — we  may  be  said,  in  these 
circumstances,  to  enjoy  advantages  for  investigating 
principles,  and  having  the  results  of  investigation 
deeply  and  strongly  impressed  upon  our  minds, 
which  no  retired  study  can  so  well  furnish.  What- 
ever may  have  been  your  previous  reading,  never  ex- 
pect to  find  yourself  expert  in  comprehending  and 
applying  the  great  doctrines  of  church  government, 
unless  you  have  studied  them  much  on  the  floor  of 
judicatories.  If  you  carefully  observe  what  passes, 
3^ou  will  observe  men  of  excellent  minds,  who  are 
not  in  the  habit  of  attending  those  judicatories,  of- 
ten betraying  a  degree  of  ignorance,  on  some  of  the 
very  first  principles  of  church  discipHne,  as  ludicrous 
as  it  is  disreputable. 

(5.)  Finally  ;  a  due  attendance  on  the  assemblies 
under  consideration,  is  one  of  the  best  means  of  ob- 
taining and  constantly  extending  and  improving  a 
connected  knowledge  of  the  history  of  our  church. 
Whatever  other  part  of  ecclesiastical  history  a  min- 
ister is  ignorant  of,  he  ought,  certainly,  to  be  well 
acquainted  with  the  history  of  his  own  church  ;  and 
especially  of  that  portion  of  it  which  is  embraced 
within  his  own  time.  But  even  this  portion  will  not 
be  thoroughly  gained  and  kept  up  by  any  member 
who  is  not  in  the  constant  habit  of  attending  on  the 
judicatories  of  his  church.  Before  these  assembhes 
all  the  principal  facts  are  made  to  pass.     And  they 


LETTERS    ON    CLERICAL    MANNERS.  301 

appear  there  with  a  life  and  force  much  more  im- 
pressive, much  more  hkely  to  be  remembered,  and 
in  connexions  and  circumstances  better  adapted  to 
leave  their  appropriate  lessons,  than  if  contemplated 
only  by  means  of  an  oral  statement,  or  a  printed 
page.  Show  me  a  Presbyterian  minister  who  is  fa- 
miliarly acquainted  with  the  history  of  his  own 
chnrch,  and  especially  since  he  entered  her  ministry, 
and  T  will  without  hesitation,  show  you  a  man  who 
has  been  constant  and  punctual  in  attending  on  her 
judicatories. 

It  is  evident,  then,  whether  we  consider  the  ho- 
nour of  our  religion — the  edification  of  the  church — 
the  fulfilment  of  our  official  vows — the  duty  which 
we  owe  to  our  fellow-servants, — the  promotion  of 
our  own  respectabihty  and  influence  among  our 
clerical  brethren, — or  the  extension  and  improve- 
ment of  our  own  ecclesiastical  knowledge,  we  ought 
to  make  a  point  of  appearing,  as  punctually  as  possi- 
ble, in  every  judicatory  of  the  church  in  which  we 
have  a  right  to  occupy  a  seat. 

2.  Make  a  point,  not  only   of  attending  every 

MEETING,  BUT  ALSO  OF  BEING  PUNCTUALLY  PRES- 
ENT   AT    THE    OPENING    OF    THE    JUDICATORY.       It   is 

possible  that  the  first  acts  of  business  may  be,  deci- 
sively, the  most  important.  In  this  case,  tardiness 
may  be  quite  as  injurious  as  total  non-attendance. 
And  even  if  this  be  not  the  case,  as  most  commonly 
it  is  not ;  a  variety  of  things  may  pass  before  your 
arrival,  absolutely  essential  to  an  intelligent  and  con- 
nected view  of  the  proceedings.  Let  no  ordinary 
2  c 


302  LETTERS    ON   CLERICAL    MANNERS. 

engagement  interfere  with  perfect  punctuality  in 
this  rhatter.  Be  on  the  ground  among  the  earliest ; 
and  you  will  find  more  advantages  connected  with 
such  a  system  than  I  can  well  enumerate.  To  say 
nothing  of  many  other  considerations,  what  right 
have  you  to  occupy  the  time  and  swell  the  min- 
utes of  the  judicatory  by  compelling  them  to  receive 
and  record  your  apologies  for  dehnquency? 

3.  I  would  advise  you  to  prepare  for  atten- 
dance ON  EVERY  JUDICATORY,  BY  SERIOUS  RETIRE- 
MENT,   meditation    and  PRAYER. 

If  every  "  creature"  that  we  enjoy  ought  to  be 
"  sanctified  by  the  word  of  God  and  prayer" — surely 
this  ought  to  be  more  especially  the  case  with  one  of 
the  most  important  ofiicial  duties  in  which  we  can 
possibly  engage.  When  we  are  about  to  meet  with 
our  fellow  servants,  as  a  judicatory  of  Jesus  Christ ; 
to  deliberate  and  consult  respecting  the  interests  of 
the  Redeemer's  kingdom ;  to  act  together,  in  our  pub- 
lick  and  ministerial  character,  not  merely  for  the  wel- 
fare of  a  single  soul,  but  for  that  of  many  congrega- 
tions, and,  perhaps,  of  the  whole  church  with  which 
we  are  connected;  and  when  we  know  not  how  far  the 
influence  of  what  we  say  and  do  may  extend  ; — surely 
we  ought  to  address  ourselves  to  all  such  duties,  with 
the  most  serious  consideration,  and  with  humble,  im- 
portunate prayer  for  all  that  wisdom,  and  guidance, 
and  strength  which  we  need.  I  had  almost  said,  if 
there  be  any  occasion  on  which  a  man  of  enlighten- 
ed piety  should  feel  serious  and  devout,  it  ought  to  be 
on  the  approach  of  such  an  assembly. 


LETTERS   ON   CLERICAL    MANNERS.  303 

Let  me  advise  you,  then,  whenever  you  are  about 
to  attend  any  church  judicatory,  and  especially  those 
of  the  higher  kind,  in  all  the  movements  of  which 
large  and  momentous  interests  are  involved  ;  to  set 
apart  a  portion  of  time  for  special  prayer,  with  a 
particular  view  to  this  object.  If  you  be  about  to  take 
your  seat  in  a  Synod  or  in  the  General  Assembly, 
let  the  whole  day  before  you  set  out,  if  practicable, 
be  observed  as  a  day  of  solemn  prayer,  accompanied 
with  fasting.  If  the  discharge  of  necessary  duties 
preclude  the  possibility  of  this,  as  may  sometimes  be 
the  case,  make  a  point  of  redeeming  at  least  one  hour 
for  special  retirement  and  devotion,  in  reference  to 
your  anticipated  engagement.  And  in  this  solemn 
hour,  endeavour  to  ponder  deeply  in  your  heart,  and 
to  spread  before  the  Lord,  all  the  magnitude  and  dif- 
ficulty of  the  work  which  you  have  in  prospect ;  and 
all  the  temptations  and  dangers  to  which  you  may  be 
exposed,  from  your  own  infirmities,  and  those  of 
others.  Pray  that  you  may  be  inspired  with  heavenly 
wisdom  in  all  the  business  that  may  come  before  you : 
that  you  may  be  enabled  in  every  case,  to  take  just 
views  of  truth  and  duty  ;  that  you  may  be  guarded 
from  prejudice,  from  passion,  and  from  every  unhal- 
lowed temper :  that  you  may  be  enabled  always  to 
act  from  the  purest  motives,  and  with  a  single  eye  to 
the  Redeemer's  honour :  that  you  may  be  preserv- 
ed from "  giving  a  wrong  touch  to  the  ark,"  either 
ignorantly  or  presumptuously:  that  you  may  not  be 
permitted,  unnecessarily  or  improperly,  to  wound 
the  feelings  of  those  with  whom  you  may  be  called 


304  LETTERS    ON    CLERICAL    MANNERS. 

to  act :  and  that,  in  all  the  proceedings  of  the  judi- 
catory, jou  may  be  enabled  to  judge  and  act  in  such 
a  manner  as  that  the  peace,  purity,  and  edification  of 
the  body  of  Christ  may  be  happily  promoted. 

Nor  ought  you  to  forget,  in  these  moments  of  hum- 
ble and  tender  approach  to  the  king  of  Zion^  to  pray 
for  the  brethren  with  whom  you  are  about  to  act,  as 
well  as  for  yourself.  Pray  that  they  may  be  so  en- 
lightened, aided,  sanctified,  counselled  and  controlled 
in  every  thing ;  may  be  so  guarded  from  the  influ- 
ence of  erroneous  views,  and  from  the  ebullitions 
of  unhallowed  feeling,  that  "  all  things  may  be  done 
decently  and  in  order,"  and  may  issue  in  the  advance- 
ment of  the  great  cause  of  truth  and  righteousness. 
If  every  member  of  ecclesiastical  judicatories  attend- 
ed their  meetings,  respectively,  under  that  kind  of  in- 
fluence which  such  exercises,  faithfully  conducted, 
would  be  likely  to  inspire,  how  different  would  be 
their  aspect  and  their  results,  from  those  which  we 
frequently  witness ! 

4.  Not  only  engage  in  these  exercises  before  the 
judicatory  assembles  ;  but  endeavour  every  day, 

THROUGH  THE  WHOLE  OF  ITS  SESSIONS,  TO  NOUR- 
ISH   YOUR     CONSCIENTIOUSNESS      IN    REFERENCE      TO 

THIS  MATTER.  Pondcr  much  and  frequently,  more 
especially  on  the  introduction  of  each  new  article  of 
business,  on  the  nature  and  importance  of  the  duties 
devolving,  on  the  body.  Labour  and  pray  without 
ceasing,  that  a  deep  sense  of  the  majesty  and  glory  of 
Zion's  King  ;  of  the  unspeakably  interesting  charac- 
ter of  his  kingdom  ;  and  of  the  solemnity  of  every 


LETTERS    ON   CLERICAL   MANNERS.  305 

step  which  has  a  bearing  on  that  kingdom,  may  dwell 
upon  your  own  mind,  and  the  minds  of  others,  in  every 
part  of  the  business  in  which  you  engage.  If  you  de- 
sire to  be  constantly  watchful,  constantly  wise,  con- 
stantly directed  and  aided  in  the  best  manner,  you 
must  daily  and  hourly  ask  for  it.  I  know  of  no  sit- 
uation in  which  you  will  more  urgently  need  the  con- 
stant supplies  of  heavenly  grace,  than  when  standing 
among  the  representatives  of  the  church,  to  consult 
respectmg  her  deUcate  and  dearest  interests. 

5.  When  you  take  your  seat  in  an  ecclesiastical 
assembly,  do  not  expect  too  much  of  the  pleas- 
ing AND  edifying  KIND.  I  havc  knowii  some  young 
ministers,  who,  the  first  time  they  attended  such  an 
assembly,  were  greatly  disappointed,  and  even  dis- 
gusted. They  had  formed  to  their  own  minds  a  pic- 
ture of  ideal  excellence,  which  can  never  be  reali- 
zed in  this  imperfect  world.  It  seemed  not  to  have 
occurred  to  them,  that  diversity  of  opinion,  and  an 
ardent  manner  of  expressing  opinions,  on  both  sides, 
would  be  likely,  in  any  case,  to  mark  the  proceed- 
ings of  ecclesiastical  men.  They  forgot  that  even 
in  the  Synod  of  Jerusalem^  made  up  as  it  was  of  ve- 
nerable Apostles  and  Elders,  there  was  "much  dis- 
puting." They  forgot  that  Paul'-'-  withstood  Peter 
to  the  face,"  because  he  thought  that  "he  was  to  be 
blamed,"  on  a  certain  matter  of  ecclesiastical  busi- 
ness, to  which,  probably,  the  inspiration  of  neither 
extended.  If  things  of  this  kind  occurred  then^  how 
much  more  may  we  expect  them  to  occur  now  7 
Besides,  it  ought  to  be  recollected,  that,  even  when 
2  c  2 


306  LETTERS    ON    CLERICAL    MANNERS. 

an  assemLlj  of  pious  men  are  entirely  agreed  respect* 
ting  the  general  propriety  of  a  cert-ain  measure,  they 
may  differ  greatly,  and  not  without  reason,  as  to  the 
best  means  of  accomplishing  it ;  and  it  were  hard, 
indeed,  to  deprive  them  of  the  privilege  of  discussing, 
and,  even  at  considerable  length,  the  probable  ten- 
dency of  the  alternate  means  proposed.  Every  one 
acquainted  with  ecclesiastical  bodies,  knows,  that, 
not  unfrequently,  those  who  were  most  warmly  in 
favour  of  a  projected  plan,  and,  in  the  outset,  most 
impatient  of  opposition  to  it,  have,  after  half  a  day's  or 
a  day's  discussion  of  the  subject,  seen  difficulties  in 
the  plan  which  they  had  not  discerned  before,  and  be- 
come quite  as  willing  to  abandon  it  as  any  persons 
present.  Who  can  tell  but  that  such  a  discussion,  irk- 
some as  it  sometimes  is,  may  be  the  instrument 
of  more  good  to  the  Church  of  God  than  half  a 
dozen  common  sermons'?  That  this  may  be,  and, 
indeed,  often  has  been  the  case,  I  think  there  can  be 
no  reasonable  doubt. 

I  know  that  some  excellent  men,  of  a  querulous 
or  fastidious  turn  of  mind,  frequently  have  in  their 
mouths  the  complaint  of  the  famous  Gregory  Nazi- 
anzen,  who  said  that  "  he  never  saw  any  good  result- 
ing from  Synods  or  Councils."  This  is  the  senti- 
ment of  a  narrow  or  a  cynical  mind.  Did  no  good 
result  from  the  Synod  whose  meeting  and  decrees 
are  recorded  in  Acts  xv.?  Did  no  good  result  from  the 
Council  of  Carthage^  in  253  ;  from  that  of  Nice,  in 
325;  from  the  Synod  of  Dort,\n  1618,  or  from 
the  Assembly  of  Divines  at  Westminster,  in  1643  ? 
My  dear  young  friend,  do  not  indulge  in  this  quer- 


LETTERS    ON   CLERICAL   MANNERS.  307 

ulous  temper.  Make  allowance  for  the  imperfec- 
tions of  men.  If  you  see  any  thing  wrong  in 
a  church  court,  you  are  not  bound  to  approve 
it.  Nay,  in  most  cases,  you  are  bound  freely  and 
openly  to  bear  testimony  against  it.  But  to  in- 
dulge a  disposition  to  condemn  all  church  courts 
in  the  gross,  because  we  occasionally  see  what  is  un- 
desirable in  their  proceedings,  is  just  as  unreasonable 
as  to  condemn  all  civil  courts  of  justice,  as  useless  or 
pernicious,  because  we  now  and  then  witness  a  re- 
volting scene,  arising  from  the  want  of  skill  or  of 
fidelity  in  those  who  conduct  them.  Let  the  gov- 
ernment of  the  church  be  administered  under  what 
form  it  may,  human  frailty  will  attend  the  adminis- 
tration. While  you  mourn  over  this,  let  it  not  tempt 
you  to  become  disaffected  to  the  regular  support  of 
ecclesiastical  government  and  discipline.  See  that 
as  little  as  may  be  of  this  frailty  be  found  with  your- 
self; and,  for  the  rest,  pray  without  ceasing  that  it 
may  be  restrained,  removed,  or  overruled  for  good. 
6.  When  you  have  taken  your  seat  in  any  Judi- 
catory, BE  CONSCIENTIOUSLY  PUNCTUAL  IN  AT- 
TENDING ON  ALL  ITS  SESSIONS.  GiVE  YOURSELF 
WHOLLY    TO    THE    BUSINESS    OF     THE    BODY. 

There  is  a  fault,  in  this  respect,  which  is  indulged 
so  frequently,  and  to  such  an  extent,  as  to  produce 
an  amount  of  evil  truly  formidable.  It  is  well  known, 
that  a  number  of  those  who  attend  on  the  higher 
Judicatories  of  the  church,  when  they  convene  iii 
large  cities ;  and  especially  of  those  who  are  com- 
missioned to  sit  in  the  General  Assembly,  at  Phila- 
delphia^  employ  only  a  part,  and  sometimes  a  very 


308  LETTERS    ON   CLERICAL   MANNERS. 

small  part  of  their  time,  after  taking  their  seats,  in 
attending  to  the  duties  which  devolve  upon  them 
as  members.  They  make  no  scruple  of  engaging 
in  parties  of  pleasure,  and  in  plans  of  secular  busi- 
ness, which  take  them  away,  time  after  time,  for  a 
number  of  hours,  or,  perhaps,  for  a  day  together 
from  the  body  which  they  professedly  came  to  at- 
tend ;  and  for  which,  perhaps,  they  receive  a  compen- 
sation. And,  even  when  they  in  a  sort  attend,  they 
are  scarcely  ever  punctually  present  at  the  hour  of 
meeting  ;  but  generally  from  half  an  hour  to  an  hour 
behind  'the  time.  The  consequence  is,  that,  when  in- 
quired for,  they  are  frequently  not  to  be  found  ;  and 
when  they  come  in,  it  is  often  in  the  midst  of  a  dis- 
cussion, or  in  the  midst  of  the  reading  of  an 
important  paper,  without  a  knowledge  of  which 
the  cause  under  consideration  cannot  possibly 
be  understood.  In  these  circumstances,  with 
what  face  can  a  conscientious  man  stand  up, 
and  request  such  a  paper  to  be  read  over  again, 
and  a  statement  of  facts — it  may  be  a  long  one 
— made  before  his  arrival — to  be  repeated,  to 
accommodate  Azm,  who  has  been  criminally  neglect- 
ing his  duty  ?  Yet  he  must  either  make  this  modest 
request,  to  the  great  annoyance  of  all  the  more  punc- 
tual members  ;  or  forbear  to  vote  when  the  cause  is 
ultimately  decided  ;  or,  what  is  still  worse,  for  the 
sake  of  avoiding  trouble,  vote  in  the  dark,  and  run 
the  risk  of  giving  his  influence  to  the  cause  of  false- 
hood or  injustice. 

From  the  moment,  then,  that  you  take  your  seat 
in  any  Judicatory,  1  counsel  you  to  make  a  point  of 


LETTERS   ON  CLERICAL   MANNERS.  309 

being  punctual  and  constant  in  your  attendance  on 
all  its  sessions.  Never  allow  yourself  to  be  absent 
a  single  moment,  if  you  can  possibly  avoid  it.  Ever 
be  among  the  number  of  those  who  make  conscience 
of  being  present  as  early  and  as  uniformly  as  the 
Moderator ;  who  never  leave  the  body  till  he  has 
descended  from  his  chair ;  and  who  never  fail  to 
unite  in  those  prayers  for  the  divine  presence  and 
blessing  which  open  and  close  every  session.  In 
short,  be  exclusively  devoted  to  the  business  of  the 
Judicatory.  As  far  as  may  be  necessary  for  unfail- 
ing attendance  until  it  is  finished,  lay  aside  every  in- 
terferiag  engagement  and  care.  The  advantages  of 
this  habit  are  so  numerous,  so  important,  and  so  ob- 
vious, that  I  am  persuaded  it  is  not  necessary  to 
dwell  upon  them  in  detail. 

7.  When  you  are  sitting  in  a  Judicatory,  be  uni- 
formly ATTENTIVE  AND  DEVOTED  TO  THE  BUSI- 
NESS, AS    IT    IS    GOING    ON. 

It  is  very  possible  for  a  member  of  a  Judicatory  to 
be  punctually  and  constantly  present  at  every  session ; 
and  yet  to  pay  very  Uttle  of  such  real  attention  to 
the  business  as  deserves  the  name.  Some  sit  read- 
ing a  newspaper,  or  a  new  pamphlet ;  others  are,  a 
great  part  of  the  time,  conversing  with  those  who 
are  so  unfortunate  as  to  sit  near  them  ;  sometimes 
on  the  subject  under  discussion,  but  more  frequently 
on  one  altogether  foreign.  And  this,  often,  at  the 
expense  of  disturbing  the  whole  Assembly  ;  and,  at 
any  rate,  at  the  expense  of  turning  off  the  attention 
of  all  with  whom  they  converse,  for  the  time  being, 


310  LETTERS   ON   CLKRICIL   MANNERS. 

from  the  subject  before  the  body.  I  have  seen  re- 
spectable and  excellent  men,  who  appeared  to  be  in- 
capable of  sitting  silent  in  a  deliberative  assembly 
for  five  minutes  together  ;  who  rendered  themselves 
conspicuous  by  whispering  and  laughing  in  the  midst 
of  the  most  solemn  discussion ;  and  who  came,  at 
length,  to  be  shunned  as  a  nuisance,  by  all  who 
wished  to  pay  fixed  and  undivided  attention  to  the 
business  before  the  Judicatory. 

This  is  a  fault  which  every  one  who  regards  either 
his  reputation  or  his  usefulness,  ought  to  avoid.  Let 
secular  men,  in  their  assemblies,  walk  about,  and 
converse,  and  make  a  noise,  while  others  are  speak- 
idg.  Let  them  be  regardless  of  the  feelings  of  their 
fellow  members  ;  let  them  violate  equally  the  laws 
of  urbanity  and  benevolence,  and  run  the  risk  of 
disturbing  the  whole  body  by  their  unceremonious 
expressions  of  indifference  or  contempt.  It  certainly 
ought  not  to  be  so  in  ecclesiastical  bodies.  There 
every  member  ought,  even  at  the  expense  of  no  lit- 
tle pain  to  himself,  to  learn  the  important  art  of  giv- 
ing silent  and  close  attention  to  every  speaker,  and 
to  all  that  passes.  Whenever  he  attempts  to  hold  a 
private  conversation,  in  the  midst  of  business,  with  a 
fellow  member,  his  own  attention,  is,  of  course,  for 
the  moment,  withdrawn  from  what  is  going  on  ;  and 
he  treats  his  fellow  member  badly  by  constraining 
him,  perhaps  against  his  inclination,  to  be  guilty  of 
the  same  ill  manners  with  himself.  I  have  often 
known  a  member,  after  having  his  own  attention,  arid 
that  of  one  or  two  others,  thus  withdrawn,  for  a  few 


LETTERS   ON   CLERICAL    MANNERS."  311 

minutes,  by  a  private  conversation,  to  rise  and  ask 
questions,  or  make  a  speech,  which  he  would  never 
have  thought  of  uttering,  if  he  had  heard  what  pass- 
ed while  his  attention  was  diverted.  Respect  for 
your  brethren,  then  ;  respect  for  yourself;  and  re- 
gard to  the  proper  order  arid  despatch  of  business, 
should  all  prompt  you  early  to  fix  the  habit  of  pay- 
ing uninterrupted  attention  to  the  business  of  every 
judicatory  in  which  your  are  sitting.  Resist  every 
solicitation  to  the  contrary,  from  whatever  quarter  it 
may  come.  Never  allow  yourself  on  any  occasion, 
except  one  of  the  extremest  urgency,  to  go  into  a 
deliberative  assembly,  and  call  out  a  member,  in  the 
midst  of  a  debate,  for  the  purpose  of  conversing 
with  him ;  nor  allow  yourself,  in  similar  circumstan- 
ces, to  be  called  out.  During  the  ten  minutes  which 
may  pass  in  such  an  absence,  the  most  important 
statements  and  reasonings  relating  to  the  cause  in 
hand,  may  be  presented.  They,  of  course  will  be 
lost  to  you.  And  by  giving  your  vote,  without  a 
knowledge  of  them,  you  may  be  quite  as  likely  to 
trample  on  truth  and  justice  as  to  support  them.  I 
have  often  wondered  how  conscientious  men,  when 
they  reflected  that,  by  occupying  a  seat  in  a  judica- 
tory, they  had  a  solemn  trust  committe  to 
them,  could  so  frequently  abuse  it  in  the  manner 
that  has  been  suggested.  Especially  have  1  won- 
dered to  see  this  so  frequently  done  in  the  General 
Assembly,  by  men  formally  delegated^  as  the  repre- 
sentatives of  Presbyteries,  to  perform  a  certain  duty; 
and  above  all,  perhaps,  by  a  man  who  was  the  only 


312  LETTERS    ON    CLERICAL   MANNERS. 

commissioner  present  to  represent  the  Presbjtery 
from  which  he  came  !  Surely  such  an  one  is  pecu- 
liarly bound  to  be  always  present,  to  neglect  no- 
thing, and  to  let  nothing  that  passes  escape  him. 

8.  When  you  take  your  seat  in  any  judicatory,  es- 
pecially in  one  of  the  higher  classes,  T  would  earnest- 
ly recommend  that  you   carry  in  your  pocket  a 

COPY  OF  THE  rules  OF  THE  BODY,  AND  THAT 
YOU  CAREFULLY  AND  REPEATEDLY  READ  THEM 
OVER    BEFORE    BUSINESS    COMMENCES. 

Few  young  ministers,  and,  indeed,  few  of  any  age, 
are  so  perfectly  familiar  with  the  rules  of  judicato- 
ries, as  not  to  be  the  better  for  having  their  memo- 
ries refreshed  by  repeated  reperusals.  This  is  ev- 
ident from  the  frequency  with  which  the  plainest 
rules  are  violated,  not  by  the  inexperienced  merely ; 
but  by  those  who  ought,  long  since,  to  have  known 
better.  Do  not  think  it  superfluous,  then,  to  aid 
your  memory  by  a  new  perusal  every  time  you  are 
called  upon  anew  to  take  your  seat  in  a  church 
court.  Endeavour  to  render  the  rules  in  question 
as  familiar  to  your  mind  as  your  alphabet ;  so  that, 
at  length,  even  an  inadvertent  infraction  of  them 
may  be  impracticable.  The  advantages  which  this 
will  confer  upon  you  in  the  transaction  of  business, 
will  be  numberless,  and  of  inestimable  value.  It 
will  not  only  prevent  you  from  falling  into  many  a 
blunder  yourself ;  but  will  also  give  you  an  influence 
among  your  brethren,  and  impart  a  weight  to  your 
opinion  on  points  of  order,  which  no  man  ought  to 


lETTEHS   OK   CLERICAL  MAlfSEBS.  313 

deem  of  small  value.  Besides  ;in  the  course  of  the 
business  an  appeal  to  the  "  Form  of  Government'* 
of  the  church  often  becomes  necessary.  If  you  have 
no  copy  of  your  own  in  your  pocket,  you  must  walk 
from  one  part  of  the  house  to  another  to  obtain  a 
sight  of  it.  This,  unav  oidably,  gives  rise  to  noise 
and  disorder.  Only  suppose  a  number  of  members 
in  this  destitute  situation,  and  under  the  necessity  of 
doing  the  same  thing,  and  how  much  confusion  be- 
comes inevitable ! 

9.  I  would  earnestly  advise  every  young  minister 

TO  SPEAK  VERY  LITTLE  THE  FIRST  TWO  OR  THREE 
TIMES  THAT  HE  OCCUPIES  A  SEAT  IN  THE  HIGHER 
JUDICATORIES    OF    THE    CHURCH. 

The  late  venerable  Dr  Rodgers  of  New-Yorhy 
often  mentioned  to  me,  that  during  the  first  two  or 
three  sessions  of  the  old  Synod  (then  the  highest  ju- 
dicatory of  our  church)  which  he  attended,  when  a 
young  man,  he  never  opened  his  lips,unless  it  were  to 
a3kaquestion,or,  by  a  word  or  two,  modestly  to  solicit 
information.  And  he  often  expressed  the  deepest 
disgust,  when  he  saw  young  men,  the  very  first  time 
they  appea  id  in  a  Synod,  or  a  General  Assembly,, 
making  more  frequent  and  longer  speeches  than,  per- 
haps, any  other  individua  n  the  body.  Many  a 
young  minister,  in  the  outset  of  his  official  career, 
has  lowered  his  own  character  for  wisdom  and  dis* 
cretion,  a  number  of  degrees,  in  the  estimation  of  his 
brethren,  by  allowing  himself  to  take  such  a  course. 
So  flagrant  a  violation  of  every  principle  of  dignity 
-and  pi  odence  is  a  t  to  be  long  remembered, 
2  D 


314  LETTERS    ON   CLERICAL   MANNERS. 

The  art  of  transacting  business  wisely,  expedi* 
tiously,  and  with  suitable  temper,  in  a  deliberative 
assembly,  is  not  to  be  learned  in  an  hour,  or  a  day. 
To  do  it  well,  requires  close  observation  ;  consider- 
able experience  ;  watching  the  manner,  course,  and 
success  of  the  best  models ;  much  attention  to  the 
discipline  of  our  own  feehngs  ;  and  a  frequent  conning 
over  the  lesson — which  we  are  always  slow  to  learn 
— that  other  people  have  knowledge  and  wisdom,  as 
well  as  ive  ;  and  that  opposing  us^  is  not  always,  in- 
falhble  testimony  that  our  opponent  is  wrong. 
All  this  requires  time.  The  first  two  sessions  ot  ec- 
clesiastical bodies  that  you  attend,  then,  are  by  no 
means  too  much  for  you  to  pass  as  a  close,  vigilant, 
silent  learner.  Rely  on  it,  for  any  young  minister 
to  wish  that  distinguished  precocity  should  mark  his 
efforts  as  a  speaker  in  church  courts,  is  seldom — 
never  wise. 

Your  own  good  sense,  my  dear  Sir,  will  readily 
suggest  to  you,  that  the  general  rule  which  I  have 
here  laid  down,  is,  in  some  cases,  at  least,  to  be  fol- 
lowed with  much  allowance.  Sometimes  a  very 
young  minister  may  be  the  only  member  present 
from  a  quarter  of  the  church  from  which  important 
information  is  desired.  In  this  case,  he  must  give  it, 
or  it  cannot  be  received.  It  may  happen,  too,  that 
when  a  deeply  interesting  cause  is  about  to  be  deci- 
ded, a  member  who  attends  for  the  first  time,  may 
be  in  possession  of  facts  and  views  in  relation  to  it 
which  appear  to  him  exceedingly  important  in  lead- 
ing to  a  just    decision.     In  such  a  case    he  cer- 


LETTERS   ON   CLERICAL   MANNERS.  315 

tainly  ought  not  to  shrink  from  the  task  of  imparting 
them.  But,  in  all  cases  whatsoever,  in  which  a  very 
young  member  rises  in  a  Synod,  or  in  a  General  As- 
sembly, let  it  be  manifest  that  he  does  it  reluctantly. 
Let  it  be  seen  that  he  is  actuated  by  an  unavoidable 
call  of  duty.  Le  modesty  and  humility  mark  every 
word  he  utters.  Let  there  be  no  impassioned  ora- 
tory, no  positiveness,  and  no  reference  to  what  has 
been  said  by  others,  but  with  the  most  fihal  respect- 
fulness. 

10.  During  the  first  ten  years  of  your  ministry,  do 
not,  in  ordinary  cases,  rise  to  express  your  opinion 
in  church  judicatories,  u.vtil    you    have    heard 

SOME  OF  THE  MORE  AGED  AND  EXPERIENCED  EX- 
PRESS THEIRS.  If  there  be  any  situation  in  which 
we  should  sutFer  age  to  speak,  and  gray  hairs  to 
teach  wisdom,  it  is  in  church  courts,  where  expe- 
rience and  piety  are  the  best  counsellors.  In  the 
earlier  periods  of  the  General  Assembly  of  the 
Church  of  Scotland^  yoking  men  seldom  rose  to  speak 
until  they  were  invited  by  the  Moderator,  and  never 
until  a  number  of  their  superiors  in  age  had  pre- 
viously delivered  their  judgments. — In  later  times 
the  practice  has  been  in  a  considerable  degree  differ- 
ent in  that  respectable  body.  In  the  Associations  of 
New  England^  a  very  dignified  example  in  this  res- 
pect has  been  long  set,  and  is  still,  it  is  believed,  re- 
tained. My  advice  is  that  you  imitate  this  exam- 
ple. The  more  carefully  and  uniformly  you  do  sOj 
the  more  likely  will  you  be  to  judge  wisely,  to  speak 
to  the  purpose,  and  to  prove  a  blessing  instead  of  a 


31G  LETTERS  ON   CLERICAL   MANNEES. 

nuisance  in  every  church  court  in  which  you  ap- 
pear. 

11.  Guard  against  very  frequent,  or  vert 
long  speaking,  in  ecclesiastical  judicatories, 
at  any  age. 

No  member  of  any  deliberative  assembly,  either 
ecclesiastical  or  civil,  ever  allowed  himself  to  be  a 
very  frequent,  or  a  very  long  speaker,  without  de- 
pressing his  influence,  and  of  course  diminishing  the 
respect  with  which  he  was  heard.  Whatever  a  man'e 
talents  may  be,  he  must  not  be  upon  his  feet  on 
evety  question,  or  he  will  soon  be  made  to  feel  that 
he  cannot  command  the  undivided  and  respectful  at- 
tention of  his  audience  on  any  question. 

The  celebrated  Dr.  TVitherspoon  spoke  very 
seldom  in  church  courts ;  and  his  speeches  were 
very  rarely  longer  than  from  ten  to  twenty-five  or 
thirty  minutes.  He  generally  waited  until  he  had 
heard  a  number  of  other  speakers,  and  until,  from 
the  debates  on  both  sides,  he  was  confident  that  he 
was  in  possession  of  all  the  principal  tacts,  and  of 
the  principal  arguments  on  which  each  party  relied. 
Hence  his  speeches  were  always  directly  to  the  pur- 
pose ;  never-  tedious  ;  and  commonly  in  a  high  de- 
gree lucid  and  convincing.  He  was  able,  in  this 
way,  to  disentangle  the  most  complicated  subjects, 
and  to  take  the  most  impartial  views  ;  and  seldom 
failed  of  carrying  with  him  a  large  majority  of  the 
body.  Few  men,  indeed,  can  be  compared  with  Dr. 
TVitherspoon^  who  was  entitled  and  expected  to 
take  the  lead  in  every  assembly  of  which  he  was  a 


LETTERS   ON   CLERICAL   MANNERS.  317 

member,  and  who  was,  in  every  view,  warranted  in 
reserving  himself  for  important  occasions.  Every 
one,  of  course,  is  not  qualified  to  aim  at  that  which 
he,  often,  most  happily  accomplished  ;  to  close  a  de- 
bate ;  to  sum  up  both  testimony  and  argument ;  and 
to  wield  the  judgments  of  a  hundred  individuals. 
But  still  the  leading  principles  upon  which  he  acted, 
are  those  upon  which  every  man  ought  to  act.  They 
were  these — Never  to  rise  until  he  had  good  reason 
to  think  that  he  understood  the  subject ;  never  but 
when  he  had  something  really  important  to  say ; — 
to  say  it  in  the  shortest,  clearest,  and  most  unosten- 
tatious manner  possible  ; — and  when  he  had  done,  to 
— sit  down. 

It  is  not  uncommon  for  youthful  and  ardent  speak- 
ers to  "  take  the  floor,"  as  the  parliamentary  lan- 
guage is,  at  the  very  commencement  of  a  debate.  In 
this  headlong  course,  they  seldom  fail  to  discover  in 
a  few*  minutes,  that  they  are  altogether  unfurnished 
with  the  information  requisite  to  an  intelligent  and 
just  discussion  of  the  subject.  B  f^  this  is  not  the 
worst.  Having  fully  committed  themselves  by  this 
precipitate  expression  of  opinion,  they  feel  it  diffi- 
cult, if  not  impossible  to  retract ;  and  are  tempted 
to  employ  all  their  ingenuity,  and  to  make  many 
speeches,  to  patch  and  support  their  ill  commenced 
work.  Many  a  florid  and  ingenious  declamation, 
and  many  a  final  vote,  have  been  thus  thrown  away 
upon  a  miserable  effort  to  appear  consistent,  when  a 
little  later  speaking,  and  a  little  less  speaking,  would 
have  answered  the  purpose  far  better.— — Believe 
2  D  2 


31g  LETTERS   ON  CLERICAL   MA^^^^:RS. 

me,  there  are  few  situations  in  which  it  is  more  im- 
portant to  the  speaker  himself,  as  well  as  to  the  com- 
fort, and  real  benefit  of  the  judicatory,  to  have  "  his 
words  few  and  well  ordered." 

12.  Never  rise  to  speak  on  any  occasion,  without 
solemnly  examining  your  motives  tor  speak- 
ing, reflecting  distinctly  on  the  presence  of 
God,  and  silently  but  fervently  imploring 
HIS  blessing  and  aid  Be  faithful  with  yourself. 
Set  a  guard,  afresh,  on  your  feelings  and  words.  And 
"beseech  Him  who  has  the  hearts  and  the  tongues  of 
all  in  his  hands,  to  preside  over  all  that  you  say.  If 
ihis  were  constantly  done,  how  many  hasty  speeches; 
how  many  petulant  speeches ;  how  many  ostenta- 
tious speeches  ;  how  many  retaliating,  passionate 
speeches,  would  be  banished  from  the  assemblies  of 
the  church. 

13.  Never  insist  on  speaking  when  the 
call  for  the  question  becomes  importunate. 

He  is  very  unwise  who  does  this.  When  an  as- 
sembly have  become  wearied,  impatient,  and  unwil- 
ling to  hear,  the  best  speech,  in  most  cases,  is  thrown 
away.  It  is  not  merely,  not  heard  respectfully,  it  is 
often  not  heard  at  all.  Never  attempt  to  speak  in 
such  a  state  of  an  ecclesiastical  body,  unless  you  are 
very  sure  that  you  have  something  new  and  weighty 
to  offer.  Frequent  trespasses  of  this  kind  on  the  pa- 
tience of  a  deliberative  body,  not  only  tend  to  di- 
minish the  influence  of  him  who  is  guilty  of  them  : 
but  they  also  tend  to  irritate  and  exhaust  the  assem- 
blj,  and  to  prevent  the  succeeding  articles  of  busi- 


W^' 


BETTERS   ON   CLERICAL    MANNERS.  310 

liess  from  being  well  done.  He  who  wastes  the  time 
of  such  a  body,  is  one  of  the  worst  foes  to  its  comfort, 
its  honour,  and  its  usefulness. 

1 4.  On  whatever  occasion  you  may  think  it  your 
duty  to  speak  in  an  ecclesiastical  judicatory,  care- 
fully   AVOID    ALL  HARSH,  SATIRICAL,  SARCASTICAL, 

ACRIMONIOUS      LANGUAGE. LeT     NOTHING     ESCAPE 

you  THAT  IS  ADAPTED  TO  WOUND  FEELINGS,  OR 
TO    PRODUCE    UNDUE    WARMTH. 

It  is  not  an  uncommon  thing  for  very  worthy  men. 
when  they  come  to  act  in  deliberative  assemblies,  to 
be  extremely  impatient  of  contradiction  ;  to  be,  al- 
ways in  a  degree,  and  sometimes  deeply  excited 
whenever  they  are  opposed  in  their  favourite  plans» 
This  arises,  in  some,  from  extreme  nervous  irritabi- 
lity, which  in  spite  of  their  better  judgment,  always 
throws  them  oif  their  guard  when  the  least  opposi^ 
lion  occurs.  In  others,  unbridled  peevishness,  or 
arrogance  prompt  them  to  consider  every  kind  of  re- 
sistance to  the  measures  which  they  propose  as  di per- 
sonal affront^  and  treat  it  accordingly.  Let  me 
earnestly  exhort  you  to  set  a  strong  guard  against 
every  thing  of  this  kind.  Whatever  opposition  may 
arise,  study  always  to  be  composed  and  self-possess- 
ed, and  endeavour  to  fix  in  your  mind,  once  for  all, 
that  others  have  just  as  much  right  to  differ  from 
you  as  you  have  to  differ  from  them. 

Again  ;  some  speakers,  in  ecclesiastical,  as  well 
as  other  assembhes,  seem  to  consider  it  as  lawful  to 
use  almost  any  kind  of  weapon  that  will  enable  them 
fo  carry  their  point     Hence  thej  endeavour  to  br^ 


320  LETTEBS  ON  CLERICAL  MANNERS, 

witty  at  the  expense  of  their  opposing  brethren ;  they 
speak  with  extreme  severity  oi'  their  arguments,  of 
their  motives,  and  even  of  their  persons  ;  and  ex- 
press their    astonishment  that    men  of  ''  common 
sense,  and  common  honesty"  should  attempt  io  ad- 
vocate sentiments  so  "  palpab  y  absurd,"  and  so  evi- 
dently "  subversive  of  all  sound  principle  "    Aud  it 
is  well  if  they  do  not  sometimt^s  indulge  in  la-.guage 
still  more  coarse  and  opprobious.    Never  give  coun- 
tenance, by  your  example,  to  this  mode  of  conduct- 
ing debate  among  brethren  in  Christ.      Remember 
that  ministers  and  elders,  assembled  m  solemn  coun- 
cil to  deliberate  on  the  interests    f  the  Redeemer's 
kingdom,   are  neither  bloody  gladiators,  nor  artful 
pugilists,  nor  snarling  politicians      Of  course,  none 
of  the  language  or  habits  pardonable  in  such  charac- 
ters, ought  ever  to  be  witnessed  among  them.     Ne- 
ver employ  language  toward    any  fellow  member 
which  jou  would  not  be  willing  to  have  directed  to- 
ward yourself.     Treat  every  brother,  and  his  argu- 
ments in  a  respectful  and  fraternal  manner.     There 
is  a  respect  due  to  their  office  and  situation^  which 
may  not  be  always  due  to  \he\T  parsons.    While  you 
maintain  your  opinions  with  firmness,  and  express 
them  with  candour,  load   no  man  with  reproaches 
for  differing  from  you  ;  impeach  no  motives ;  insi- 
nuate no  unkind  suspicions  -,  make  no  one's  person 
©r  reasoning  an  object  of  ridicule  ;  carefully  guard 
against  every  turn  of  thought  or  expression  adapted 
to  irritate  : — In  a  word,  let  the  old  maxim — "  soft 
words  and  hard  arguments ;"  or  rather  the  scriptural 


LETTERS    ON    CLERICAL   MANNERS.  S2( 


iDJimction  of  constantly  endeavouring  to  imitate 
'*  the  meekness  and  gentleness  of  Christ,"  give  char- 
acter  to  every  sentence  you  utter  in  an  ecclesiastical 
assembly.  That  this  manner  of  conducting  debates 
in  ecclesiastical  courts  is  best  adapted  to  promote 
peace,  love,  and  edification,  every  one  is  ready  to 
acknowledge.  And  further,  that  he  who  resolutely 
refuses  to  employ  any  other  weapons  than  those  of 
the  purely  christian  character  which  have  been  men- 
tioned, is  most  likely  to  make  friends,  and  to  be  re- 
spected, even  by  his  opponents,  is  quite  as  generally 
confessed.  But  this  is  not  all.  Such  a  man  is  more 
likely  to  gain  thp:  victory  in  argument,  and  thus 
to  CARRY  HIS  poiNT,-than  the  sarcastick  and  acri- 
monioijs  debater.  Surely,  then,  the  disposition  to 
employ^  in  the  conflicts  of  ecclesiastial  assemblieSj 
those  poisoned  weapons,  to  which  the  children  of  this 
world  so  often  resort  in  their  assemblies,  is,  of  all 
propensities,  one  of  the  most  inexcusable ;  since 
they  are  as  injurious  to  the  cause  of  him  who  em- 
ploys them,  as  they  are  offensive  to  ail  pious  and  de-* 
licate  minds. 

It  is  impossible  for  me  to  avoid  recollecting  here 
some  venerable  Ministers  of  our  Church,  of  what 
may  be  called  the  Old-school^  with  whom  it  was  my 
happiness  to  be  acquainted  in  eariv  life,  and  who  in 
reference  to  the  point  under  consideration,  left  a  no- 
ble example.  They  spoke,  in  judicatories,  as  men 
who  remembered  that  they  were  servants  of  Christ, 
and  were  assembled  to  advance  the  interests  of 
''  pure  and  undefiled  religion."  No  coarseness,  abuse^ 


32S  LETTERS   ON   CLERICAL   MANNERS. 

sarcasm,  or  unseasonable  levity  ever  escaped  their 
lips.  I  have  heard  them  reply  to  weak,  petulant, 
and  even  highly  offensive  speeches,  with  a  meek- 
ness, benevolence  and  dignity,  which  excited  the  ad- 
miration of  all,  and  which  more  effectually  mortified 
and  humbled  their  indelicate  opponents,  than  athou- 
sand  vollies  in  their  ov/n  style  could  have  done. 
Such  men  are  too  rare  in  any  church.  Would  that 
their  mantles  might  be  found  resting  on  the  shoulders 
of  many  who  came  after  them  ! 

16.  While    you    treat  the   opinions  of  every  fel- 
low  member  with   respect,  you  ought  to  treat 

THOSE  or  THE  MORE  AGED  AND  EXPERIENCED  WITH 

PECULIAR  DEFERENCE.  Remember  that  such  men 
have  not  only  seerv  ^more  years  than  yourself;  but 
that  they  have  been  long  accustomed  to  the  consi- 
deration of  such  questions,  and  the  routine  and  dif- 
ficulties of  such  business  as  may  come  before  you. 
It  is,  therefore,  not  merely  desirable  that  you  should 
hear  their  opinions,  if  possible,  on  any  subject  under 
discussion,  before  you  make  up  your  mind  upon  it- 
but  when  they  have  uttered  those  opinions,  it  be- 
hooves you,  however  they  may  differ  from  your 
own,  to  treat  them  with  the  profoundest  respect. 
And  if  you  are  constrained  to  express  a  different 
opinion,  let  it  be  done  wnh  modes  . ,  and  even  with 
caution.  Oppose  them  raiher  by  sta  ing  the  objec- 
tions to  their  views  which  occur  to  your  mind,  and 
inquiring  what  can  be  offered  for  their  removal, 
than  by  direct  or  confident  attack.  Let  it  be  seen 
that  you  differ  from  them  with  reluctance,  and  with 


LETTERS    ON    CLERICAL    MANNERS,  323 

much  diffidence.  And  when  you  refer  to  any  thing 
which  has  been  uttered  by  them,  in  which  you  can- 
not concur,  let  it  be  with  something  of  that  fihal  re- 
verence with  which  you  ought  ever  to  regard  their 
persons.  While  you  do  this,  however,  do  not  fall  in- 
to the  extreme  of  those,  who,  when  they  differ,  in 
ecclesiastical  assemblies,  from  an  individual  venera- 
ble for  age  or  standing,  do  it  with  so  many  circuitous 
apologies,  and  so  much  fulsome  flattery  ;  protesting 
how  much  it  pains  them  to  oppose  a  father  so  "  learn- 
ed," so  "  pious,""  so  "  illustrious,"  &c.  that  every 
person  of  just  taste  is  disgusted.  Let  your  respect 
for  their  persons  and  opinions  be  manifested  by  your 
general  air,  tones,  and  manner,  rather  than  by  any 
direct  eulogies  on  their  character,  which  it  is  diffi- 
cult to  express  in  a  happy  manner,  and  which  had 
better  always  be  omitted. 

IG.  Be  careful  to  maintain  habitual  gravity 
in  all  ecclesiastical  courts,  and  especially  in  those 
of  the  higher  class.  Can  it  require  a  moment's  rea- 
soning to  show,  that  when  the  ministers  and  elders 
of  the  church  of  Christ  are  assembled  to  deliberate 
on  the  most  deeply  momentous  and  solemn  interests 
which  can  possibly  occupy  the  attention  of  mortals, 
they  ought  to  be  serious,  sober,  and  to  avoid  every 
thing  that  approaches  to  levity  ?  One  would  think 
that  the  very  lowest  standard  of  propriety  that  could 
be  adopted  by  any  thinking  man,  would  require  this. 
And  yet  such  is  the  frailty  of  our  nature,  and  sucli 
the  temptation  frequently  arising  from  the  grega- 
rious principle,  if  1  may  so  express  it.  that  in  out' 


324  LETTERS   OS  CLERICAL   HANNEBS. 

larger  ecclesiastical  bodies,  and  especially  in  the  Ge« 
tteral  Assembly,  it  often  happens  that  gravity  is  inter- 
rupted to  a  painful  extent,  and  that  some  of  the 
most  devout  men  are  frequently  borne  away  by  the 
power  of  sympathy.  Indeed  some  ecclesiastical  de- 
baters avowedly  act  on  the  plan  of  carrying  their 
point  by  almost  any  of  those  weapons  which  are  ad- 
missible in  secular  assemblies,  and,  among  the  rest, 
hy  the  broadest  and  most  undisguised  ridicule. 
Hence,  if  they  can  so  manage  as  to  excite  a  burst  of 
laughter  at  the  expense  of  an  opponent,  they  are  pe- 
culiarly gratified.  I  cannot  believe  that  this  is  a 
proper  mode  of  conducting  ecclesiastical  business. 
It  is  an  oifence,  in  my  opinion,  both  against  chris- 
tian dignity,  and  christian  benevolence.  Let  me 
not  be  told  that  the  use  of  ridicule,  as  a  weapon  in  de- 
bate, is  indulged  to  a  far  greater  extent  in  the  Gene- 
ral Assembly  of  the  church  of  Scotland^  than  it  has 
ever  been  in  any  of  our  judjcatories.  I  know  it. 
But  this  is  no  justification.  Such  scenes  as  have  been 
often  exhibited  in  that  venerable  body,  within  the 
last  thirty  or  forty  years,  would  not  have  been  tole- 
rated in  the  better  days  of  the  church  of  which  it  is 
the  supreme  judicatory.  Knox  and  Melville^  in 
their  day,  or  Henderson,  Rutherford^viA  Gillespie. 
in  theirs,  would  have  "groaned  in  spirit,""  and  pour- 
ed forth  the  majesty  of  apostolical  rebuke,  if  they 
had  witnessed  many  a  debate,  which,  within  the  last 
quarter  of  a  century,  has  passed  without  reproof, 
and  perhaps  (such  is  the  power  of  habit)  without 
yegret.    If  this  decline  of  dignity,  is  to  be  attributed!. 


LETTERS    ON    CLERICAL    MANNERS. 


;9r. 


in  any  measure,  to  the  decline  of  the  spirit  of  primi- 
tive piety  in  that  church  ;  it  ma^  also,  perhaps,  be, 
in  part,  owing  to  the  increased  frequency  and  free- 
dom with  which  distinguished  Barristers  are  introduc- 
ed, to  plead  the  causes  which  come  before  the  As- 
sembly ; — men  so  much  in  the  habit  of  taking  all 
kinds  of  liberty  in  their  pleadings,  that  it  is  not  possi- 
ble even  for  an  ecclesiastical  court  always  to  keep 
them  within  proper  bounds  ; — men  whose  profes- 
sions of  reverence  are  often  little  better  than  half- 
concealed  irony,  and  solemn  mockery ;  and  whose 
example  cannot  fail  to  exert  a  most  pernicious  influ- 
ence. 

17.  Do  not  think  me  too  minute  if  I  guard  you 
against  a  frequent  change  of  your  seat,  and 
MUCH  moving  about,  during  the  proceedings  of  an 
ecclesiastical  assembly.  There  are  those  who 
appear,  probably  from  a  bad  habit,  rather  than  any 
thing  else,  incapable  of  sitting  still  many  minutes  at 
a  time,  even  in  a  church  judicatory.  You  may  see 
them,  perhaps,  in  a  dozen  or  twenty  different  parts 
of  the  house,  in  the  course  of  one  forenoon.  This 
is  a  practice  as  undignified  as  it  is  mischievous.  It 
is  almost  incompatible  with  fixed  attention  to  the 
business  of  the  body.  It  necessarily  leads  to  more 
or  less  noise  and  confusion,  and  thus  interrupts  the 
attention  of  others,  as  well  as  our  own.  What  would 
be  the  consequence  if  every  member  of  such  an  as- 
sembly were  to  be  thus  continually  changing  his 
place  ?  It  is  evident  that  all  composed  attention  to 
business  would  be  impracticable.  Rely  upon  it, 
2  E 


■    4-- 

326  LETTERS    ON   CLERICAL    MANNERS. 

that  learning  the  art  of  sitting  still  in  a  delibera^ 
tive  assembly,  is,  in  itself,  a  matter  of  no  small  va- 
lue.  Choose  a  seat,  then,  in  the  beginning,  as  much 
adapted  to  your  convenience  as  you  can  select.  Re- 
tain it,  without  some  good  reason  for  a  change,  as  long 
■as  the  body  continues  to  sit.  Be  always  found  there. 
However  irksome  this  may  beat  first,  habit  will  soon 
reconcile,  and  afterwards  attach  you  to  the  practice  i 
and  if  generally  practised,  its  advantages  would  be 
great  indeed. 

18.  Remember  that  EVERY  thing  which  is  ix- 

TENDED  TO  EE  WELL  DONE  IN  A  CHURCH  COURT, 
OUGHT  TO  BE  WELL  PREPARED  OUT  OF  DOORS  BE- 
FORE IT  IS  INTRODUCED. 

There  are  men — even  good  men — who  take  a 
sort  of  pride  in  being  considered  as  the  iinprompt- 
ed  and  unaided  authors  of  certain  favourite  mea- 
sures, which  they  wish  to  distinguish  themselves  .by 
bringing  forward.  Hence  they  take  counsel  with 
none,  suggest  even  their  purpose  to  none,  until  it  is 
made  the  subject  of  a  pubhck  motion.  There  is  a 
littleness  in  this,  unworthy  of  a  truly  elevated  mind  : 
and  it  is  as  indiscreet  as  it  is  little.  He  who  is  about 
to  introduce  an  important  proposal  into  an  ecclesias- 
tical assembly,  ought  to  remember  that  he  can  have 
no  private  or  selfish  interest  in  the  proposed  mea- 
sure ;  and,  therefore,  that  he  ought  not  to  desire  to 
carry  it,  unless  it  be  really  adapted  to  promote  the 
cause  of  truth  and  righteousness.  And  in  order  io 
ascertain  this,  he  ought,  in  all  cases,  to  be  desirous 
of  knowing  how  the  aged,  the  wise,  the  experienced. 


LETTERS    ON    CLERICAL   MANNERS.  327 

and  the  pious,  regard  his  projected  measure.  If 
they  unanimously,  or  generally  disapprove  it,  he 
ought  to  be  very  certain  of  its  wisdom,  and  of  their 
being  under  a  mistake,  before  he  brings  it  forward. 

Let  me  advise  you,  then,  when  you  are  about  to 
bring  any  important  plan  or  measure  before  achurch 
judicatory,  always  to  consult  at  least  some  of  the 
most  judicious,  prudent,  pious  and  influential 
members  of  the  body,  beforehand,  out  of  doors  ;  tak- 
ing their  opinions  of  the  feasibility  and  usefulness  of 
the  plan  ;  and;  if  they  approve  it,  soliciting  their 
countenance  and  aid  in  carrying  it  into  effect.  The 
advantages  of  this  course  are  numerous.  The  mea- 
sure will  be  more  likely  to  succeed.  It  will  proba- 
bly be  carried  with  more  una  'imity  and  comfort. 
Every  wise  adjustment  in  private,  will  both  shorten 
and  mollify  debate  in  publick.  And  if,  in  the  course 
of  this  out-of-door  consultation,  there  be  so  much  op- 
position manifested,  as  to  convince  you  that  the  pro- 
posed measure  cannot  succeed,  the  probability  is, 
notwithstanding  all  your  overweening  fondness  and 
zeal  in  its  behalf,  that  it  is  less  wise  than  you  ima- 
gine, or,  at  least,  ought  to  be  postponed. 

19.  Perhaps  you  will  smile  when  I  gravely  offer 
another  counsel  on  this  subject ; — -which  is,  that, 
when  engaged  from  day  to  day  in  the  important  bu- 
siness of  an  ecclesiastical  judicatory,  you  should 
practice  much  self-denial,  and  even  abstemi- 
ousness,  WITH   respect    to    THE    INDULGENCES   OE 

THE  TABLE.  Pcrfcct  temperance  in  a  minister  of 
religion  is,  of  course,  at  all  times  a  duty,  and  at  all 
times  important     But  I  now  speak  of  a  self-denial 


328  LETTERS   ON   CLERICAL  MANNERS. 

special  and  peculiar ;  of  a  restraint  upon  appetite 
more  vigilant  than  usual,  and  for  a  great  moral  pur- 
pose. This  is  no  easy  matter.  When  large  num- 
bers of  ministers  and  other  ecclesiastical  men  arc 
convened  in  a  populous  town,  their  meeting  seldom 
fails  to  be  attended  with  much  hospitahty,  and  not 
unfrequently  with  strong  temptations  to  luxurious 
indulgence  of  the  convivial  kind.  The  consequence 
is,  that  after  a  hearty  dinner,  in  which  no  common 
rule  of  temperance  has  been  transgressed,  the  mind 
is  less  active,  less  prepared  for  intellectual  or  moral 
labour,  and,  of  course,  less  fitted  to  discharge  the  du- 
ties of  the  judicatory.  It  will  tend  to  obviate  this 
evil,  if  you  take  considerably  less  than  your  usual 
quantity  of  aliment,  during  the  whole  continuance 
of  the  sessions  of  the  judicatory.  You  will  certain- 
ly, in  this  case,  if  your  mind  be  properly  intent  on 
tht*  business,  enjoy  yourself  far  more  ;  and  perform 
every  duty  more  to  your  own  satisfaction.  Depend 
upon  it, — lightly  as  some  may  consider  this  thing, — 
much  feasting  is  very  unfriendly  to  the  discharge  of 
duties  in  which  a  large  portion  of  wisdom  and  piety 
is  needed. 

20.  Let  all  your  conduct  in  judicatories  be  mark- 
ed WITH  THE  MOST  PERFECT  CANDOUR  AND  UP- 
RIGHTNESS. 

That  a  minister  of  the  gospel,  in  an  assembly  of 
his  brethren,  should  be  guilty  of  gross  dishonesty  or 
falsehood,  is  a  supposition  so  abhorrent  to  every 
right  feeling,  that  I  will  not  suppose  it  possible.  Yet , 
it  is  certain,  that  men  in  the  main  upright  and  pious, 
do  sometimes,  in  the  transaction  of  ecclesiastical  bu- 


LETTERS    ON   CLERICAL   MANNERS.  320 

siness,  and  especially  in  attempting  to  carry  favour^ 
ite  measures,  indulge  in  a  species  of  indirect  man- 
agement, which  minds  delicately  honourable,  and 
strictly  desirous  of  '« shunning  the  very  appearance 
of  evil,"  would  by  no  means  have  adopted.  Such 
are  all  the  little  arts  of  concealment  and  deception- 
which  are  sometimes  practised,  even  in  ecclesiasti- 
cal business  ; — revealing  only  part  of  a  plan,  and 
carefully  drawing  a  vail  over  those  features  of  it, 
which  it  is  well  known  a  large  majority  gf  the  body 
would  object  to,  if  aware  of  the  whole  plan  ;  making 
insidious  proposals,  under  the  name  of  concessions  ; 
in  short,  engaging  in  a  constant  system  o(  covert  ge- 
neralship, for  overreaching  and  entrapping  those, 
who  it  is  known  would  never  co-operate,  if  they 
were  made  acquainted  with  the  whole  scheme. 

It  is  surely  unnecessary  to  employ  argument  to 
show  that  this  is  a  hateful  character,  and  that  every 
christian  minister  ought  to  abhor  and  avoid  it.  You 
are  not  bound,  indeed,  to  tell  every  body  your  whole 
mind, on  all  subjects  ;  not,  perhaps,  to  disclose  all  the 
facts  you  know  on  a  given  subject  under  discussion. 
Butyou  are  bound  to  deceive  ho  one  ;  to  overreach  no 
one;  to  spread  a  trap  for  no  man's  feet  or  conscience  ; 
to  avoid  all  crooked  and  disingenuous  policy  ;  to  give 
no  man  occasion  to  say  that  you  hoodwinked  or  ca- 
joled him,  by  representations  which,  if  not  false, 
were  insidious.  On  the  contrary,  let  all  your  plans 
be  such  as  you  would  be  willing  to  avow  to  the 
whole  world ;  and  let  all  the  means  which  you  em- 
ploy for  carrying  them  into  effect,  be  such  as  perfect 
2  e2 


330  LETTERS   ON   CLERICAL    MANWERS. 

integrity,  honour,  and  candour,  will  justify.  Never 
allow  yourself  either  to  propose  a  scheme,  or  to  sug- 
gest means  for  its  accomplishment,  which  you  would 
not  be  willing  ultimately  to  see  emblazoned  in  every 
gazette  in  the  country.  Depend  upon  it,  artifice, 
concealment,  and  evasion,  are,  nowhere^  ultimate- 
ly protitable  to  any  man:  but  in  an  ecclesiastical  as- 
sembly, there  is  a  hatefulness  about  them  which  can- 
not be  too  strongly  portrayed,  and  a  mischief  which 
never  fails,  sooner  or  later,  to  fall  on  the  head  of  him 
who  employs  them. 

21.  When  you  succeed  in  carrying  your  point  in 
a  judicatory,  never  exult  ;    never  allow  touk- 

"fELF  TO  USE  A  LANGUAGE  OR  A  TONE  EXPRESSIVE  OF 
TRIUxMPH     OVER     AN  ADVERSARY.       It    is  UOt  thc  part 

of  magnanimity  to  do  this.  It  stirs  up  unhallowed 
feeling  in  those  who  are  disappointed.  It  greatly 
adds  to  the  pain  of  defeat ;  and  sometimes  inflicts 
wounds  as  lasting  as  life.  Besides,  if  you  proudly 
triumph,  on  carrying  a  favourite  measure,  it  is  a  sad 
symptom  against  yourself.  The  measure  itself  may 
be  right ;  but  the  state  of  your  heart  is  plainly 
shown  to  be  very  much  otherv/ise  :  and  your  suc- 
cess may  not,  after  all,  be  crowned  with  the  divine 
blessing.  Enjoy  success,  then,  with  moderation, 
and  with  marked  respect  toward  those  who  have 
been  defeated.  Treat  them  in  such  a  manner  as  to 
alleviate,  as  much  as  possible,'the  pain  of  failure :. 
and  your  success  will  be  much  more  likely  to  be  a 
real  blessing  to  the  church 

22.  On  thc  other  hand,  when  you  have  failed. 


LETTERS    ON    CLERICAL   MANNERS.  331 

OR  FIND  THAT  YOU  ARE  LIKELY  TO  FAIL,  TO  GAIlST 
THE    CAUSE    WHICH    YOU    ADVOCATE,     BE    MILD    AND 

SUBMISSIVE.  To  bear  to  be  outvoted  with  a  good 
grace,  is  a  hard  lesson  to  learn  ;  but  every  good  po- 
litician ought  to  learn  it  as  early  as  possible.  Much 
more  ought  every  christian  minister.  When  a  point 
is  carried  against  you,  indulge  no  complaints ;  utter 
no  reproaches  ;  let  not  a  word  or  a  look  escape  you 
that  has  a  tendency  to  interrupt  fraternal  feeling. 
You  are  bound  to  admit  at  least  the  possibility  that 
the  majority  are  wiser  than  the  minority.  At  any 
rate,  knowing  it  to  have  been  determined  as  infinite 
wisdom  judged  best,  for  the  present,  every  murmur 
ought  to  be  silenced.  And,  after  all,  before  twelve 
months  have  passed  over  your  head,  you  may  be  as 
ready  to  rejoice  as  any  one  else  that  it  was  decided 
as  it  was.  I  am  free  to  confess  that  such  has  been, 
more  than  once,  my  own  experience. 

23.  If  you  should  evei'  be  chosen  Moderator  of 
THE    General    Assembly,    or  of    any    of    the 

HIGHER    JUDICATORIES    OF    THE    CHURCH,      COUSidcr 

yourself  as  called  to  a  very  responsible  station,  and 
address  yourself  to  its  duties  with  much  humility,  se- 
riousness and  prayer.  Remember  how  much  both  the 
comfort,  and  the  expedition  of  business  in  sdch  a  bo- 
dy depend  on  the  Moderator.  If  he  be  inexperien- 
ced, timid,  irresolute,  deficient  in  address  or  pre- 
sence of  mind,  or  unwilling  to  employ  the  authority 
vested  in  him,  the  proceedings  will  probably  be  with- 
out dignity,  without  order,  and,  perhaps,  even  with- 
out judgment  or  justice.  For  the  most  wise  and  honest 


332      LETTERS  ON  CLERICAL  MANNERS 

body  in  the  world,  when  they  once  fairly  get  into 
confusion,  may  do  some  of  the  most  foohsh  things 
imaginable,  and  do  them  in  the  most  disorderly  man- 
ner. No  man,  therefore,  ought  to  consent  to  be  mo- 
derator of  the  General  Assembly,  who  has  not  ser- 
ved a  kind  of  apprenticeship  to  the  office  in  Pres- 
byteries and  Synods,  and  who  does  not  feel  himself, 
in  some  tolerable  degree,  at  home  in  the  rules  of  the 
church. 

But  if  you  should  be  elected  to  the  office,  and 
should  think  proper  to  accept  of  it,  enter  on  the 
duties  of  it  with  humble  trust  in  God,  and  with 
the  firmness  of  one  who  is  inspired  with  a  deter- 
mination to  perform  that  which  is  required  of 
him  without  fear  or  favour.  Make  yourself  perfect- 
ly familiar,  by  repeated  perusals,  with  the  rules  bv 
which  you  are  to  be  govei*ned.  Enforce  them  on 
every  member  with  rigour  and  impartiality.  Be  al- 
ways punctual,  to  a  moment^  in  your  seat,  at  the 
hour  to  which  the  body  stands  adjourned.  Let  the 
prayers  with  which  you  open  and  close  each  sitting 
be  such  as  shall  tend  to  fill  every  mind  with  solem- 
nity, with  brotherly  love,  and  with  a  deep  sense  oi 
obligation  to  the  Redeemer's  kingdom,  without  in- 
dulging j^urself  in  what  is  called  praying  at  people, 
which  is  generally  useless,  and  often  very  unhallow- 
ed work.  Constantly  keep  on  the  desk  before  you 
a  copy  of  the  rules  of  the  body,  a  copy  of  the  form  of 
Government  of  the  Church,  and  a  complete  Roll  of 
the  members.  Keep  accurate  notes,  not  only  of  all 
the  assignments  of  business  for  particular  days,  but 
also  of  every  occurrence  which  it  may  be  important 


LETTERS   ON   CLERICAL   BA^^NERS,  333 

for  you  to  remember  and  call  up  afterwards.  Ne- 
ver allow  yourself,  on  any  occasion,  while  occupying 
the  chair,  to  take  part  in  the  debate.  Treat  every 
speaker  with  perfect  respect,  however  weak  you 
may  consider  his  arguments.  Give  fixed  and  undi- 
vided attention,  to  every  speaker,  keeping  your  eye 
steadily  directed  to  his,  to  the  last  word;  not  only 
for  the  purpose  of  paying  respect  to  him,  but  also 
that  you  may  be  able  to  observe  and  interpose,  in  a 
moment,  when  he  becomes  disorderly  or  irrelevant. 
Allow  no  personahties,  or  wandering  from  the  point 
on  any  account;  but  be  very  sure  before  you  call  a 
speaker  to  order  for  wandering,  that  e  is  not  pur- 
suing a  very  compact  and  connected  argument, 
some  of  the  parts  of  which  are  a  little  out  of  sights 
Be  firm  and  inexorable  in  applying  the  rules  to  the 
oldest  and  most  venerable,  as  well  as  the  youngest 
member ;  yet  never  indulge  in  harshness,  or  the  least 
disrespect  to  any  one.  Never  permit  the  least  alter- 
cation to  take  place  between  the  Moderator  and 
any  member:  when  any  thing  of  this  kind  appears  to 
be  commencing  or  threatened,  remind  the  individu- 
al that  it  cannot  be  allowed  ;  that  his  remedy  is  to 
appeal  to  the  body,  without  debate.  In  stating  ques- 
tions, and  in  deciding  points  of  order,  be  as  per" 
fectly  impartial  as  possible  ;  never  permitting  a.  word 
to  escape  you  that  shall  indicate  your  opinion  as  to 
the  merits  of  the  question  before  the  judicatory  ; 
but  keeping  the  scales  perfectly  even,  as  to  both 
sides  of  the  house.  Remember  that  the  business  of 
liie  Moderator  is  to  maintain  order,  and  to  secure  to 


334  LETTERS    ON   CLERICAL    MANNERS. 

every  member  the  perfect  enjoyment  of  his  privi- 
leges in  debate.  In  appointing  committees  also  be 
impartial.  Where  there  are  parties,  let  strict  justice 
be  done  to  bpth  sides.  Never  allow  any  one  to  whis- 
per to  the  Moderator  while  a  member  is  speaking,  or 
a  vote  taking  ;  as  it  may  have  the  appearance  of  lis- 
tening to  improper  influence.  In  a  word,  exercise 
all  the  authority  vested  in  you,  with  perfect  polite- 
ness, but  at  the  same  time  with  perfect  firmness.  I 
have  only  to  add,  that,  it  is  very  seldom  proper,  if 
at  all,  for  the  Moderator  to  place  another  person  in 
his  chair,  and  descend  to  the  floor,  for  the  purpose 
of  taking  part  in  a  debate.  It  has  sometimes  been 
done ;  and  there  is  certainly  no  absolute  rule  of  the 
church  against  it.  But  it  is  by  no  means  expedient. 
The  best  judges  have  decided  against  its  propri- 
ety. And  it  may  not  be  easy  for  the  moderator, 
when  he  resumes  the  chair,  to  convince  the  mem- 
bers that  he  is  perfectly  impartial  in  stating  the  ques- 
tion and  taking  a  vote  on  a  point  which  he  has  taken 
part  in  discussing.  Besides,  why  should  he  do  it  ? 
If  he  has  any  thing  important  to  say,  he  can  surely 
put  it  into  the  mouth  of  a  friend  to  be  uttered,  as 
well  as  by  himself. 

24.  To  sum  up  all  in  a  word ;  endeavour  so  to 
treat  every  brother,  and  so  to  conduct  yourself  on 
every  occasion,  as  shall  be  adapted  to  make  the 

JUDICATORY,  so  FAR  AS  YOU  ARE  CONCERNED,  A 
SCENE  OF  CHRISTIAN  AFFECTION  AND  PLEASURE,  AND 
A    NURSERY    OF    EVERY    HALLOWED    FEELING,       It    is 

impossible,  in  such  an  assembly  as  that  of  a  court  of 


LETTERS   ON"   CLERICAL  MANNERS.  33o 

Christ,  to  have  a  set  of  rules,  framed  beforehand, 
sufficiently  numerous  and  minute  to  meet  every  spe- 
cifick  case.  But  if  there  be  a  heart  full  of  love  to 
Christ,  and  of  love  to  his  servants  and  his  kingdom ; 
if  there  be  a  deep  impression  of  the  all-seeing  eye  of 
God,  and  a  solemn  anticipation  of  his  judgment-seat; 
if  there  be  a  mild,  amiable,  benevolent  spirit  in  full 
exercise ;  if  there  be  a  sincere,  disinterested  desire  to 
"  follow  the  things  whicli  make  for  peace,  and  the 
things  wherewith  one  may  edify  another  ;"  if  there 
be  a  sincere  desire  to  give  the  business  throughout  a 

RELIGIOUS,  AND  NOT  A  SECULAR  ASPECT  I    in  a  WOrd, 

if  there  be  no  other  banner  set  up  in  the  camp  than 
that  of  Jesus  Christ,  and  no  other  end  pursued  than 
his  glory; — then  the  meetings  of  the  judicatories  will 
be  delightful  scenes.  The  members  will  know  no 
other  strife,  than-who  shall  love  the  Redeemer  most, 
and  who  shall  serve  him  with  the  warmest  zeal. 
Their  differences  of  opinion  will  produce  no  aliena- 
tion of  feeling.  Their  debates  will  ever  be  carried 
qn  with  mutual  respect  and  love.  They  will  sepa- 
rate with  warmer  affection  than  they  met ;  will  re- 
turn to  their  respective  charges  with  increased  at- 
tachment to  their  Master  and  his  work ;  and  will 
look  forward  to  another  meeting  with  a  glow  of  de- 
light. My  dear  friend,  let  it  always  be  your  study 
and  prayer,  whenever  you  attend  such  an  assembly, 
to  contribute  your  full  share  to  the  production  of 
these  happy  results. 

25.  After  having  read  over  the  foregoing  counsels, 

DO    NOT    IMAGINE    THAT    IT  WILL  BE  AN  EASY  THING 


336  LETTERS    OX    CLERICAL   MANNERS. 

TO  FOLLOW  THEM.  I  have  no  doubt  that  the  sub^ 
stance  of  them  will  readily  commend  itself  to  your 
judgment,  as  obviously  worthy  of  regard  ;  and  that 
you  will  resolve  to  bear  the  whole  code  in  mind, 
whenever,  in  future,  you  enter  an  ecclesiastical  ju- 
dicatory. But  be  not  too  sanguine  of  success  in  this 
matter.  It  is  one  of  the  most  difficult  things  in  the 
world  to  follow  the  best  and  plainest  rules ;  espe- 
cially when  3-0U  are  called  to  deliberate  and  act  with 
a  number  of  others.  In  a  large  assembly  many  feel- 
ings are  excited,  which  in  solitude  lie  dormant. 
Pride,  vanity,  ambition,  envy,  jealousy,  the  irascible 
principle,  and  a  thousand  unfortunate  sensibilities, 
whi.ch  your  fellow  members  will  either  designedly 
or  inadvertently  attack,  may,  when  you  are  off  your 
guard,  as  it  were,  spring  a  mine  under  your  feet, 
and,  contrary  to  your  fixed  purpose,  betray  you  into 
language  or  conduct,  which  you  will  long  recollect 
with  mortifica  ion.  Remember  your  own  weakness. 
Be  jealous  of  your  own  heart,  and  watch  it  with  in- 
tense vigilance.  Have  no  confidence  in  your  own 
ability  to  avert  or  overcome  temptation.  Constant- 
ly look  for  strength  and  wisdom  to  a  higher  source, 
I  again  repeat,  not  only  pray  for  light  and  guidance 
from  above,  before  you  take  your  seat  in  such  as- 
semblies, as  before  advised  ;  but  through  all  their  va- 
rious and  complicated  business,  "  pray  without  ceas- 
ing," that  you  may  be  directed  and  guarded,  and 
sanctified  in  every  thing  ;  that  you  may  be  preserved 
from  the  sudden  onsets  of  unhallowed  passion  ;  and 
that  you  may  have  grace  given  you  to  act  in  confor- 


LETTERS    ON    CLERICAL    MANNERS.  337 

iiiity  with  those  rules  which  you  heartily  approve, 
and  desire  to  follow. 

26.  I  think  it  must  be  impossible  to  read  with  any 
attention  the  foregoing  counsels,  without  perceiving 

HOW  ERRONEOUS  IS  THE  PRINCIPLE  ON  WHICH  MA- 
NY    or    OUR     PRESBYTERIES     PROCEED    IN    CHOOSING 

THEIR  Commissioners  to  the  General  Assem- 
bly. The  principle  referred  to  is  that  o{ simple  lui- 
qualified  rotation^  without  reference  to  age,  expe- 
rience, or  any  personal  qualification.  Hence  it  of- 
ten happens, — and,  acting  pn  this  plan,_  often  must 
happen, — that  all  'the  delegates,  from  some  Pres- 
byteries, are  young  men,  who  never  saw  the  Body 
before.  Of  course,  they  are  not  at  home  with  re- 
gard to  the  rules  and  habits  of  the  Assembly,  and, 
therefore,  cannot  represent  to  the  best  advantage 
the  Presbyteries  by  which  they  are  commissioned. 
More  than  once  have  1  seen  the  interests  of  a  parti- 
cular section  of  the  Church  really  suffer,  in  conse- 
quence of  the  delegates  from  that  section  being  all 
young  men,  who  knew  so  little  of  the  Assemblj^  and 
of  its  mode  of  transacting  business,  that  they  were 
not  quahfied  to  conduct  the  matters  intrusted  to 
their  care.  If  you  should  live  to  take  a  seat  in  any 
Presbytery,  I  would  advise  that  you  endeavour  to 
promote  the  adoption  of  something  like  the  following 
plan. — Let  half  yonv  Commissioners,  every  year,  be 
men  of  some  experience^  who  have  been  repeated- 
ly members  of  the  Assembly  before  ;  and  the  other 
half  such  young  men^  as  have  been  at  least  five  or 
six  years  in  the  ministry,  and,  of  course,  somewhat 


338  LETTERS    ON    CLERICAL   BIANNERS. 

iamiliar,  during  that  time,  with  the  proceedings  of 
Presbyteries  and  Synods.  Acting  upon  this  plan, 
the  younger  members,  when  they  reach  a  certain  age, 
will  go  in  their  turn,  and  be  gradually  trained  to  the 
work  ;  and  will  be,  at  the  same  time,  always  accom- 
panied by  fathers,  familiar  with  the  habits  of  the  Bo- 
dy, and  capable  of  giving  to  their  juniors  salutary 
counsel.  When  1  was  a  young  man,  this  plan  was 
much  more  acted  upon  than  it  is  at  present.  I  had 
been  nearly  eight  years  an  ordained  minister  before 
I  ever  received  a  commission  to  the  General  Asseni- 
hlv. 


Z.Z:TT£Ii    XZI. 


E^'TRE.iT~7nE     ELDER      W03IE^r  AS     MOTHERS;     TIW 
yOUJS.''QER  AS  SISTERS,  WITH  ALL  PURITY.        1  Tim.    v.  2. 


female  society,  marriage,  &c. 

My  dear  young  Friend, 

A  clergyman  will,  of  course,  have  much  and  con- 
stant occasion  to  be  in  the  company  of  Females. 
They  forma  most  interesting  and  active  part  of  ev- 
ery church.  Many  things  may  be  accomplished  by 
their  pious  agency,  which  could  scarcely  be  attain- 
ed in  any  other  way.  And  happy,  indeed,  is  that 
minister  of  the  gospel,  who,  by  wisdom,  fidelity,  pru- 
dence, and  christian  dehcacy,  is  enabled  to  concili- 
ate the  esteem,  and  to  acquire  and  maintam  the  un- 
limited confidence  of  his  female  parishioners,  and 
of  other  persons  of  worth  of  that  sex,  with  whom  he 
may  be  called  in  Providence  to  associate.  He  who 
fails  of  doing  this,  cannot  be  either  very  acceptable 
or  very  useful ;  while  he  who  succeeds  in  attaining 
it,  not  only  possesses  one  of  the  most  valuable  pledg- 
es of  permanent  popularity,  but  also  enjoys  advan- 
tages for  doing  good  of  the  richest  kind.  The  fe- 
male part  of  every  congregation  have,  in  general,  an 
influence,  which,  while  it  cannot  be  defined,  cannot, 
at  the  same  time,  be  resisted.    And,  for  the  most 


340  LETTERS    ON  CLERICAL    MANNERS. 

part,  this  influence,  I  believe,  is  as  just  in  its  ultinfiate 
award,  as  it  is  sovereign  in  its  sway. 

That  department  of  clerical  Manners  and  Habits- 
then,  which  has  a  respect  to  Females^  is,  at  once, 
one  of  the  most  delicate  and  important  that  can  pass 
under  review.  I  am  aware,  too,  of  the  great  diffi- 
culty of  treating  this  subject,  especially  in  reference 
to  unmarried  clergymen,  in  a  profitable  manner. 
While  it  is  a  subject  concerning  which  counsel  is 
more  frequently  needed  than  almost  any  other  ;  it  is 
one,  at  the  same  time,  in  which  feeling  and  caprice 
are  so  apt  to  triumph  over  reason,  that,  when  coun- 
sel is  most  urgently  needed,  it  is  seldom  heard,  or,  at 
least,  seldom  properly  weighed.  What  else,  indeed^ 
can  be  expected,  when  so  large  a  portion  of  man- 
kind, and  especially  of  the  young,  and  even  of  the 
conscientious  and  pious,  seem  to  think  that  here,  if 
ever,  inclination  ought  t(3  "bear  a  sovereign  sway ; 
and  that  listening  to  the  dictates  of  prudence^  is  a 
sort  of  high  treason  against  that  refined  system  of 
"sentimentalism"  which  they  suppose  ought  absolute- 
ly to  govern  in  such  cases.  This  is  being  weak  and 
foolish,  if  the  expression  may  be  allowed,  upon 
jyrinciple.  And  hence,  I  have  known,  again  and 
again,  some  of  the  most  sober-minded  and  excellent 
people  of  my  acquaintance,  giving  themselves  up  to 
matrimonial  partialities  and  connexions  so  manifest- 
ly unworthy  of  persons  in  their  senses  ;  and  so  per* 
fectly  deaf  to  all  the  suggestions  of  wisdom,  that  they 
deserved  the  discipline  of  the  rod'yx^i  as  much  as  chil- 
dren at  school. 


1.ETTERS    ON   CLERICAL    MANNERS.  341 

I  do  not  deny  that  ardent  affection  is  necessary 
to  matrimonial  happiness.  And  am  as  ready  to  grant, 
as  the  most  sentimental  of  my  youthful  acquaintance, 
that  marriages  contracted  on  the  ground  of  merce- 
nary calculation,  or  even  from  the  mere  dictates  of 
cold  prudence,  promise  little  conjugal  enjoyment. 
But  does  it  follow  from  this  concession,  that  a  reflec- 
ting man,  and  esjjeciaily  a  man  of  religious  princi- 
ple, ought  to  allow  himself  to  fall  in  love  with  the 
first  pretty  face  he  sees,  without  the  least  reference 
to  his  highest  obligations,  and  without  the  least  know- 
ledge of  the  temper,  intellect,  piinciples,  habits  and 
manners  of  the  individiial?  Surely  a  man  ought  as 
sacredly  to  take  care,  ^<°/b?T  marriage,  on  whom  he 
bestows  his  affections  as  afterwards  that  he  confine 
them  to  the  object  whom  he  has  chosen.  There  are 
limits^ihen^  beyond  which  inclination  ought  not  to 
be  allowed  to  govern  in  this  matter.  So  I  should  de- 
cide in  the  case  of  any  one  who  meant  to  act  the  part 
of  a  rational  being. 

But  a  minister  of  the  gospel  is  peculiarly  bound 
to  summon  to  his  consideration,  on  this  whole  sub- 
ject, a  solemn  reference  to  his  official  character,  du- 
ties, and  usefulness,  as  well  as  to  his  personal  taste. 
And  he  who  allow-i  himself  to  make  a  sacrifice  of 
the  former  to  the  latter,  is  unfaithful  to  himself,  and 
to  his  God.  Whatever  others  may  do,  when  he 
thinks  of  selecting  a  partner  for  life,  he  will  have 
before  him  his  high  office,  and  all  the  interests  of  the 
Redeemer's  kingdom,  to  which  he  has  devoted  him- 
self, as  well  as  his  own  personal  gratification,  Hap- 
2  F  2 


.142  LETTERS    ON   CLERICAL    MANNERS* 

py  is  the  man  who,  in  this  interesting  concern,  is  fa- 
voured with  "that  wisdom  which  cometh  down 
from  above,"  and  is  enabled  perfectly  to  unite  the 
tenderest  impulses  of  affection,  with  the  sternest  dic- 
tates of  duty  ! 

1.  In  reference  to  this  subject,  my  first  leading 
suggestion  is,  that  there  are  some  clergymen 
WHO  OUGHT  never  TO  MARRY.  While  I  firm- 
ly believe,  that  the  doctrine  which  enjoins  ce- 
libacy on  the  clergy  generally,  is,  as  the  apostle 
styles  it,  "  a  doctrine  of  devils,"  and  that  it  has  led* 
and  must  always  lead,  to  the  most  enormous  evils : 
I  have,  at  the  same  time,  no  doubt,  that  the  minis- 
ter who  deliberately  resolves  to  spend  his  days  as  an 
Evangelist^  or  an  Evangelical  Itinerant^  ought, 
if  he  can  be  happy  in  a  single  state,  to  continue  in 
that  state.  I  am  of  the  opinion  that  neither  Wesley 
nor  Whitefield^  for  example,  ought  ever  to  have 
married.  They  were  both,  indeed,  strangely  injudi- 
cious, in  the  selection  of  a  partner  ;  but  I  doubt  whe- 
ther any  woman  could  have  been  happy,  with  either 
of  them  herself,  or  have  made  either  of  them  happy  as 
long  as  they  pursued  the  course  of  life  to  which  they 
were  devoted.  I  think,  too,  I  could  name  some  in- 
dividuals, now  living,  in  our  own  country,  whose 
usefulness  is  greatly  extended  by  their  dechning 
to  entangle  themselves  with  those  worldly  cares 
which  the  conjugal  relation  seldom  fails  to  induce.  I 
know  not  that^oi/  have  in  view  any  such  plan  of  mi- 
nisterial labour.  If  you  have,  and  if  you  can  be  com- 
fortable in  a  life  of  celibacy,  1  would  advise  you 
never  to  marry.     In  this  case,  you  may  give  yourself 


LETTERS    ON    CLERICAL    MANNERS.  343 

more  entirely  to  your  work ;  your  movements,  how- 
ever incessant,  may  be  untrammelled  ;  much  less 
will  suffice  for  your  decent  support,  than  if  you  had 
a  family ;  and  thus  you  may  atford  essential  aid  to 
Uiany  congregations,  from  which  you  would  be  in  a 
great  measure  shut  out,  if  you  were  bound  by  do- 
mestick  ties  There  ought  to  be  a  few  such  minis- 
ters in  every  church  of  large  extent.  Yet  no  one 
ought  to  be  constrained,  or  even  persuaded,  to  choose 
this  plan  of  life.  Nor  should  any  one  adopt  it,  un- 
less it  be  the  object  of  his  deliberate  and  devout  pre- 
ference. And  even  after  having  adopted  it,  for  a 
time,  he  ought  to  feel  himself  at  full  liberty  to  re- 
tract, and  assume  the  conjugal  bond,  whenever  he  is 
fully  persuaded  that  he  can  serve  the  church  better 
by  taking  this  course. 

2.  My  next  counsel,  however,  is,  that,  in  general, 

EVERY  SETTLED  MINISTER  SHOULD  CONSIDER  IT 
AS    HIS    DUTY,    AS    WELL    AS    HIS     PRIVILEGE,    TO    BE 

A  MARRIED  MAN.  I  givc  tliis  advicc,  bccausc  I  am 
deliberately  of  the  opinion,  that  the  matrimonial 
connexion,  when  formed  in  wisdom,  and  in  the  fear 
of  God,  is  by  far  the  happiest  union  which  the  so- 
ciety of  this  world  furnishes  ;  and  which,  when  real- 
ly happy,  approaches  nearer  than  any  other  to  the 
bliss  of  better  society  on  high.  I  am  so  far  from 
thinking  that  a  state  of  celibacy  is  a  state  of  greater 
'*  perfection"  than  any  other,  as  some  religionists 
have  taught,  that  I  am  wholly  unable  to  read  the  se- 
cond chapter  of  Genesis,  to  say  nothing  of  any 
other  scripture,  without  coming  to  a  directly  oppo- 


344  LETTERS    03J   CLERICAL   MANNERS. 

^ite  conclusion.  But,  while  all  the  considerationa 
verifying  the  early  declaration  of  our  Maker,  that  it 
is  not  good  for  man  to  he  alone^  which  apply  to 
other  men,  apply  equally  to  him  ;  there  are  addition* 
al  considerations,  which  show  that  a  happy  matrimo- 
nial union  is  of  peculiar  importance  to  a  minister. 
If  he  be  married,  his  female  parishioners  will  have 
more  confidence  in  him,  and  feel  more  freedom  in 
approaching  him.  He  will  himself,  also,  in  this  case, 
be  delivered  from  a  great  many  embarrassments  and 
temptations  which  would  otherwise  beset  his  minis- 
terial intercourse  with  the  younger  females  of  his 
congregation.  A  man  who  knows,  from  experience, 
what  domestick  affections,  duties,  and  trials  import, 
will  know  better  how  to  enter  into  the  feelings  and 
wants  of  his  people  on  similar  subjects,  than  would 
be  possible  for  one  in  a  different  situation.  A  pas- 
tor, though  unmarried,  might,  and  undoubtedly  ought, 
on  suitable  occasions,  to  preach  on  the  duties  of  hus- 
bands and  wives,  parents  and  children,  &c.  ;  yet  it  is 
manifest  that,  on  this  class  of  subjects,  a  bachelor 
will,  commonly,  be  a  less  skilful,  as  well  as  a  less 
impressive  preacher,  than  he  who  is  not  only  a  pious, 
exemplary  divine,  but  also  an  exemplary  husband 
and  father. 

If,  therefore,  you  had  nothing  else  in  view  than 
\'our  ministerial  usefulness,  I  should  say,  if  you  be- 
come a  settled  pastor,  by  all  means  be  married.  The 
celebrated  Richard  Baxter^  somewhere  in  his  prac- 
tical v/orks,  asks  this  question — '^  Ought  a  clergy- 
man to  marry  ?"  His  answer  is — "  Yes  ;  but  let  him 


IiETTERS    ON    CLERICAL    MANNERS.  345 

think,  and  think,  and  think  again,  before  he  does  if' 
So  say  I.  For  if  there  be  an  important  step  in  the 
course  of  a  minister's  hfe,  this,  certainly,  is  one. 
The  following  sentences  from  Dr.  Clarke's  valua- 
ble "  Letter  to  a  Methodist  Preacher,"  before  quot- 
ed, though  couched  in  strong  language,  are  yet,  I 
think,  not  too  strong.  "  Marriage  to  you  can 
never  be  an  indifferent  thing  :  it  will  make  or  mar 
you;  it  will  be  a  blessing  or  a  curse  to  you.  It  will 
either  help  you  to  heaven,  drive  you  to  hell,  or  be  a 
heart-rending  cross  to  you  while  you  live.  Nor  will  a 
had  or  improper  marriage  affect  yourself  alone  :  it 
maybe  the  ruin  o^ ever}/  child  that  issues  from  it. 
And,  dreadful  as  this  is,  it  may  not  rest  there  ;  they 
may  propagate  the  plague  to  interminable  genera- 
tions, and  millions  be  injured,  if  not  lost,  by  your 
improper  or  vicious  marriage.  Take  this  step,  then 
with  that  godly  fear,  and  scrupulous  caution,  which 
a  man  should  do,  who  feels  that  he  has  his  all  at 
slake." 

3.  Be  not  in  too  much  haste  to  form  a  ma- 
trimonial    ENGAGEMENT     AND     ESPECIALLY   TO   BE 

MARRIED.  I  say  a  matrimonial  e/i^a^me/i/,  because^ 
though  not  all,  yet  a  number  of  the  evils  which  re- 
sult from  a  premature  marriage,  frequently  flow 
from  a  premature  affiance.  When  a  theological  stu- 
dent marries  before  he  has  closed  his  preparatory 
studies,  and,  of  course,  before  he  has  any  certain 
prospect  of  a  settlement,  he  runs  the  risk,  not  only 
of  embarrassing  and  retarding  his  professional  ca* 
rcer,  both  as  to  comfort  and  usefulness ;  but  is  really 


346  LETTERS    ON    CLERTCAL    MANNERS. 

in  danger  of  drawing  upon  himself  something  like 
professional  ruin.  He  could  hardly  take  a  step 
more  directly  calculated  to  interrupt  his  studies,  if 
not  to  cut  them  short ;  and  even  while  they  nomi- 
nally continue,  to  render  them  less  composed,  deep 
and  successful.  But  this  is  not  the  worst.  When 
a  candidate  for  the  ministry  prematurely  marries, 
he  exposes  himself  to  the  strongest  temptation  to 
seek  hcense  to  preach  before  he  ought,  and  before 
he  otherwise  would;  to  press  forward  to  ordination, 
and  a  pastoral  charge,  before  he  has  passed  through 
that  leisurely  training,  both  as  a  student  and  a  licen- 
tiate, which  is  of  incalculable  importance  ;  and  even 
to  indulge  a  degree  of  impatient  urgency  in  obtaining 
asettlement,  which  may  lower  his  dignity  in  the  view 
of  those  who  observe  it,  and  even  interfere  essential- 
ly with  all  his  professional  prospects.  I  have  re- 
peatedly known  instances  in  which  the  premature 
marriages  of  theological  students  have  impeded 
them  in  their  studies  to  a  distressing  degree  ;  have 
been  the  means  of  hurrying  them  into  the  ministry 
before  they  were  at  all  prepared  for  it ;  have  led 
them  to  take  measures  for  obtaining  settlements, 
which  their  own  impartial  judgments,  in  other  cir- 
cumstances, would  have  rejected  with  scorn ;  and, 
in  a  word,  for  many  years,  proved  such  an  incum- 
brance to  them  ;  such  an  obstacle  both  to  their  com- 
fort and  usefulness,  as  they  could  never  be  persuad- 
ed to  believe  possible,  until  taught  by  painful  expe- 
rience. It  is  true,  this  is  not  always  the  consequence 
of  forming  matrimonial  contracts  or  connexions  with 


LETTERS    ON  CLERICAL   MANNERS.  347 

indiscreet  haste.  But,  if  I  mistake  not,  it  is  in  a  ma- 
jority of  cases  ;  and  I  am  clearly  of  the  opinion  that 
there  is  no  profession  more  likely  to  suffer  by  such 
imprudent  haste  than  the  clerical. 

Besides  ;  no  candidate  for  the  sacred  office  can 
tell,  till  he  actually  enters  it,  where  the  Head  of  the 
church  may  cast  his  lot.  He  ought  to  hold  himself 
ready  to  follow  imphcitly  the  leadings  of  Providence. 
But  if  he  be  already  married,  or  under  a  matrimoni- 
al engagement,  before  he  comes  to  this  point  in  his 
course,  it  may  be  utterly  impracticable  for  him  to 
go  in  the  direction  which  he  most  fondly  desires,  and 
which  all  his  pious  friends  consider  as,  in  itself,  most 
desirable.  Or,  it  may  be,  that,  in  spite  of  every  dif- 
ficulty which  his  marriage  or  engagement  presents, 
he  may  be  shut  up  to  a  particular  course  ;  and  then 
he  may  find  himself  compelled  to  take  a  beloved  com- 
panion into  a  situation  which  she  never  anticipated  ; 
for  which  she  is  by  no  means  prepared,  either  in  spi- 
rit or  habits  ;  and  in  which  she  can  never  be  happy. 

For  these,  and  for  many  other  reasons,  I  should 
strongly  advise  that  you  guard  against  all  engagements 
of  this  kind,  until  your  professional  studies  are  com- 
pleted, and  you  have  a  fair  prospect  of  a  speedy  set- 
tlement, or,  at  least,  of  being  able  to  decide  where 
you  are  likely  to  be  ultimately  placed.  You  may 
think  this  advice  of  small  importance  now  ;  but  if 
you  act  in  opposition  to  it,  I  venture  to  predict,  that 
you  will  review  your  conduct  with  bitter  repentance 
at  a  future  day. 

4.  Carefully  guard^against   exciting   expec- 


348  LETTEBS    ON    CLERICAL    MANNERS* 

TATIONS      OF      A     MATRIMONIAL      INTENTION,     WHEN 

YOU  HAVE  NO  SUCH  SERIOUS  PURPOSE.  You  are, 
probably,  not  ignorant,  that  young  clergymen  are 
considered  as  one  of  those  classes  of  suitors  who  are 
apt  to  be  peculiarly  popular  with  the  female  sex. 
And,  truly,  it  would  be  a  great  reflection  on  their 
judgment  if  it  were  not  so.  For,  in  the  case  of  young 
men  of  your  profession,  there  is  all  that  pledge  of 
piety,  virtue,  conjugal  fidelity  and  kindness,  and  gen- 
eral respectability  of  character,  that  official  duty  and 
engagements  can  give-,  ^s  it  strange,  then,  that  many 
young  ladies  of  enhghtened  minds,  and  virtuous  sen- 
timents, should  manifest  a  perference,  other  things 
being  equal,  to  promising  candidates  for  this  profes- 
sion ?  I  should  indeed  think  it  strange  if  it  were 
otherwise.  Alas  !  that  their  confidence  should  have 
been  sometimes  misplaced ;  and  that  even  clergy- 
men should  have  been  found  capable  of  making  un- 
kind and  miserable  husbands ! 

Let  it  also  be  remembered,  that  as  young  ladies 
of  pious  amiable  character  are  predisposed,  as  a  mat- 
ter of  course,  to  think  favourably  of  the  general  mo- 
ral quahties  of  young  clergymen,  and,  in  many  cases, 
to  regard  what  are  supposed  to  be  advances  on  their 
part  with  a  propitious  eye ;  so  there  is  another  con- 
sideration which  is  worthy  of  your  notice.  When 
a  young  minister  pays  attentions  to  a  young  female, 
which  have  the  appearance  of  being  particular^ 
they  are  apt  to  go  for  much  more  than  the  same  at- 
tentions would,  if  paid  by  a  secular  man.  The  latter 
it  is  understood,  may^  perhaps,  have  in  view,  insuch 


LETTERS    ON    CLERICAL    MANNERS.  349 

attentions,  his  own  present  amusement  only.  But 
the  fair  presumption  is,  that  the  former  has  too  much 
honour,  integrity,  and  purity  of  principle,  to  sport, 
for  one  hour,  with  the  feehngs  of  a  female  acquain- 
tance. An  equal  degree  of  attention,  from  him^ 
therefore,  will  be  apt  to  be  considered  as  meaning 
more^  than  from  a  person  of  another  profession. 

Let  your  whole  deportment,  my  youiig  friend, 
fully  justify  this  presumption  in  favour  of  the  cleri- 
cal character.  While  you  treat  every  female,  with 
whom  you  may  become  acquainted,  and  who  may 
be  entitled  to  such  treatment,  with  respect  and  due 
attention,  carefully  guard  against  every  thing  like 
particular  attention^  unless  you  have  serious 
thoughts  of  seeking  a  matrimonial  union.  To  act  a 
part  intended  to  excite  the  expectations,  and  ensnare 
the  affections  of  an  ingenuous  female,  when  }ou  had 
no  real  intention  of  offering  her  your  own  heart  and 
hand,  would  bea compound  of  meanness  and  wicked- 
ness of  which  I  am  confident  you  w\u  never  be  de- 
liberately guilty.  But  I  have  known  young  minis- 
ters to  pursue,  inadvertently,  a  course  of  conduct 
which  led  to  this  unhappy  result.  They  have  great- 
ly respected  a  particular  female  acqiiaintance,  and 
taken  more  pleasure  in  her  company,  than  in  that  of 
any  other  of  her  sex  in  the  neighbourhood;  and 
have  been  thus  led  to  be  frequent  in  their  visits,  with- 
out the  remotest  thought  of  a  matrimonial  connexion; 
and  taking  for  granted  that  it  would  be  so  understood 
on  all  hands.  It  is  dangerous  thus  to  act.  The  peace 
oi  an  unsuspecting  and  estimable  individual  may  thus 

2    G 


350  LETTERS   ON    CLERICAL    MANNERS. 

be, unintentionally,  indeed,  but  totally  destroyed.  Re- 
member that  more  scrupulous  delicacy,  caution,  and 
self-denial  are  required,  and  are  really  due,  from 
young  men  of  your  profession  than  of  any  other. 
Never  visit  frequently  where  you  are  not  willing  to 
realize  the  most  serious  expectations  that  can  be 
formed  :  and  when  you  discover,  or  think  you  dis- 
cover, that  such  expectations  exist,  without  any 
proper  ground,  immediately  adopt  such  a  course  of 
conduct  as  will,  respectfully  and  delicately,  but  ef- 
fectually, tenninate  them.  Only  suppose  the  case 
of  the  female  in  question  to  be  that  of  a  sister  of 
your  own,  and  then  every  christian  and  manly  feel- 
ing will  dictate  the  proper  course. 

There  is  a  tendency  on  the  part  of  amiable  and 
intelligent  young  ministers,  to  form  what  they  call 
special  friendshijis^  wdth  young  females  of  fine  un- 
derstandings and  amiable  manners.  These  friend- 
shins  are  formally  understood,  in  the  beginning,  by 
both  parties,  not  to  have  matrimony  for  their  object. 
Still  they  are  carried  on  with  many  effusions  of  refin- 
ed sentiment;  the  epithets  oi  brother  and  sister  TiTii 
agreed  to  be  employed  in  their  intercourse ;  an  epis- 
tolary correspondence  is  kept  up  ;  and  every  thing 
wears  the  aspect  of  what  is  commonly  styled  "  court- 
ship." Let  me  w^arn  you  against  every  thing  of  this 
kind,  unless  you  are  perfectly  willing  and  desirous 
to  marry  the  individual  in  question.  Such  "  friend- 
ships" have  a  tendency  to  ensnare,  and  finally  to  em- 
barrass the  parties  themselves.  They  seldom  fail  of 
making;  an  erroneous  impression  on  others.     And  1 


LETTERS    ON    CLERICAL   MANNERS.  351 

am  confident  "the  winding  up"  is  rarely  satisfactory 
to  all  concerned.  1  always  regret  to  see  an  episto- 
lary correspondence  going  on  between  a  young  min- 
ister and  a  young  female  whom  he  professes  to  have 
no  intention  or  desire  of  marrying. 

5.  Bk  on  youh  guard  against  the  advice 
and  interferenf^e  of  notorious  match-makers. 
There  are  such  persons  in  every  community.  They 
are  your  forward,  sanguine,  and  often  weil-meaning 
busy-bodies,  who  have  a  wife  or  a  husband  ready 
for  almost  every  unmarried  individual  of  th6ir  ac- 
quaintance ;  and  who  appear  always  willing  to  incur 
the  responsibility  of  being  the  known  contrivers  of 
a  match.  Never  court  the  assistance,  or  put  your- 
self in  the  power  of  such  a  pestiferous  race.  They 
may,  sometimes,  indeed,  amidst  many  failures,  be 
instrumental  in  forming  a  happy  connexion.  But 
trust  them  not.  Never  put  yourself  implicitly  un- 
der their  guidance.  Nay  more.,  if  you  are  not  ex- 
tremely vigilant,  they  will  be  apt  to  entrap  you,  be- 
fore you  are  aware  of  it,  into  a  situation  from  which 
you  will  find  it  difficult  to  retreat.  Of  this  I  have 
known  some  of  the  most  striking  and  melancholy  ex- 
amples. Let  no  smgle  individual  dictate  to  you  on 
such  a  subject.  Consult,  not  many,  but  ^eyera/ ju- 
dicious friends,  especially  pious  friends,  with  a  sin- 
cere desire  and  willingness  to  take  sound  advice. 
It  is,  surely,  a  matter  of  sufficient  importance  to  en- 
gage all  the  dehberation,  the  inquiry,  and  the  prayer 
which  you  have  an  opportunity  of  bestowing  upon  it. 

6.  In  seeking  a  matrimonial  union,  bear  in  mind 


352  l-ETTEHS    OJT   CLEniGAL   HANKERS. 

THE      INESTIMABLE      IMPORTANCE     OP      PIETY     IN     A 

clergyman's  wife.  I  say  the  inestimable  impor- 
tance ;  because  1  am  verily  persuaded,  that  no  one  who 
has  not  made  the  experiment,  can  adequately  esti- 
mate the  importance  of  genuine  and  even  eminent 
piety  in  one  who  is  intended  to  be  a  *'  help  meet" 
for  a  minister  of  the  gospel.  However  great  the 
other  excellencies  of  his  wife  may  be ;  yet  if  she 
have  not  real  piety,  she  cannot  be  a  "  helper"  in 
the  most  important  of  all  interests.  She  cannot  aid 
him  in  the  conflicts  of  the  spiritual  life.  She  cannot 
stimulate  him  in  devotion  when  he  is  languid ;  or 
sympathize  with  him  when  he  is  dejected,  and  com- 
fortless. She  cannot  counsel  and  excite  him  in  the 
delicate  and  arduous  duties  of  his  office.  She  can- 
not strengthen  his  hands  among  the  people  of  his 
charge,  by  appearing  foremost  among  the  sisters  of 
the  church,  in  every  pious,  benevolent  and  laudable 
undertaking  in  which  they  engage.  She  cannot  ex- 
ert a  proper  influence  in  "  training  up  her  children 
in  the  nurture  and  admonition  of  the  Lord."  In  a 
word,  she  must  so  utterly  fail  of  affording  him  the 
least  aid,  in  all  that  large  portion  of  his  duties  and 
conflicts  which  pertain  to  the  spiritual  welfare  of 
himself,  his  family,  and  the  souls  committed  to  his 
care;  and,  if  not  an  aid,  must  be  so  frequently  a 
snare  and  a  drawback  in  reference  to  all  these  in- 
terests ;  that,  methinks,  a  conscientious  man,  enter- 
ing on  the  work  of  the  holy  ministry,  will  be  ex- 
tremely unwilling  to  form  a  connexion,  to  say  the 


LETTERS    ON    CLERICAL    MANNERS.  35 :> 

least,  promising  so  little  of  either  comfort  or  advan- 
tage. 

Let  me  earnestly  exhort  you,  then,  in  seeking  a 
wife,  to  look  for  one  of  uafeigned  and  ardent  piety. 
Nothing  that  she  can  possess,  ought  to  be  consider- 
ed as  a  compensation  for  the  want  of  this  great  char- 
acteristick.  However  beautiful,  however  amiable, 
however  inteiligeat,  however  exteasiveiy  read,  and 
however  polished  in  her  manners — if  she  lack  the 
"  one  thing  needful,"  she  will  be  essentially  defi- 
cient as  a  companion  for  an  ambassador  of  Christ. 
But  if,  with  other  quaHties,  which  may  fairly  be 
presupposed,  she  whom  you  choose  for  a  wife,  be  a 
person  possessed  of  enlightened,  active  piety,  you 
will  find  her  a  treasure  beyond  all  price  : — a  comfort- 
er in  trials;  a  counsellor  in  study,  in  labour,  and  in 
perplexity;  a  soother  of  your  care-worn  hours;  a 
suitable  guide  of  the  best  interests  of  your  house- 
hold m  yoar  absence  ;  an  efficient  helper  in  a  va- 
riety of  respects,  incapable  of  being  specified  ;  and, 
above  all,  a  happy  medium  of  intercourse,  and 
pledge  of  confidence,  between  you,  and  the  other 
pious  females  of  your  congregation.  1  have  often 
known  the  pious  wives  of  clergymen  exert  an  influ- 
ence so  manifest,  so  extensive,  and  so  happy,  within 
the  pastoral  charges  of  their  husbands,  that,  in  some 
cases,  there  were  those  who  felt  constrained  to  doubt 
whether  the  pastors  or  their  companions,  were,  all 
things  considered,  the  more  useful.  But  you  can- 
not be  made,  at  present,  to  see  the  whole  importance 
of  this  matter.  If  you  wish  to  find  your  own  per- 
2  G  2 


354  LETTERS    ON    CLERICAL   MANNERS. 

sonal  piety  nurtured,  your  comfort  increased,  your 
influence  extended,  and  your  usefulness  doubled, 
never  think  seriously  of  any  other  than  a  pious  wife. 
All  experience,  you  may  rely  upon  it,  speaks  this 
language  I  have  never  yet  knov^^n  a  minister 
who  appeared  to  know  much  of  the  religion  of  the 
heart  himself,  who  did  not,  as  he  advanced  in  hie 
course,  manifest  a  growing  sense  of  the  great  impor- 
tance of  securing  a  spiritual  helper  in  the  compa- 
nion of  his  life. 

7.  You  will  not   fail,   I   trust,   to  consider  good 

SENSE,      AND     PRUDENCE      ALSO,    AS    INDISPENSABLE 

QUALITIES  IN  A  CLERGYMAN'S  WIFE.  Whatever 
piety  the  object  of  your  choice  may  possess  ;  yet  if 
she  be  a  person  of  weak  mind,  and  strikingly  de- 
ficient in  practical  discretion,  she  will  perpetually 
mortify  you,  and  pro')abl)'  do  you  more  harm  than 
good  among  the  people  of  your  charge.  She  will 
seldom  fail,  by  her  precipitancy,  her  rashness,  her 
imprudent  speeches,  and  her  childish  deportment, 
to  weaken  your  hands,  and  counteract  some  of  your 
best  etrorts.  Or,  the  most  favourable  supposition  is, 
that,  when  her  character  is  once  fairly  understood, 
she  will  be  considered  as  harmless,  and  do  you  no 
positive  injury.  Surely  something  better  than  this, 
ought  to  be  sought  and  expected  by  him  who  is  about 
to  choose  a  companion  for  life  ;  a  mother  for  his  off- 
spring ;  a  "  guide  of  his  house  ;''  a  hghtener  of  his 
cares  ;  and  a  counsellor  of  his  most  confidential 
hours.  Who  can  tell  the  importance  of  having,  in 
so  near  a  friend,  sound,  practical  wisdom,   and  ha- 


LETTERS  ON  CLERICAL  MANNERS.      355 

bitual  prudence  ?  To  a  clergyman  it  is  highly  desira- 
ble that  his  wife  should  have  good  sense  and  piety 
enough  to  be  a  helper  even  in  his  professional  du" 
ties  ;  but  that  she  should  have  the  principal  man^ 
agement  of  all  his  domestick  concerns,  will  follow 
as  a  matter  of  course.  For  this  purpose,  every  one 
sees  that  wisdom,  prudence,  and  energy  too,  are 
indispensable. 

8.  I  scarcely  need  to  add,  that  you  will,  no  doubtj 
consider  good  temper,  and  amiable  manners,  as 
holding  a  very  important  place  in  the  qualifica- 
tions of  her  who  is  lo  be  a  "  help-meet"  for  a  min- 
ister. It  has  been  often  remarked,  that  no  clergy- 
man ever  married  a  wife  of  a  remarkably  weak  un- 
derstanding, without  severely  repenting  it.  With 
this  I  agree.  But  1  am  inclined  to  think  that  a  way- 
ward temper,  and  repulsive  manners,  in  a  wife,  are 
more  destructive  of  domestick  happiness,  and  espe- 
cially that  of  a  clergyman^  than  even  folly  itself. 

It  is  of  the  utmost  importance,  that  the  wife  of  a 
publick  man  have  that  amiable,  bland,  accommoda- 
ting disposition  ;  that  habitual  equanimity  and  be- 
nevolence, which  will  dispose  her  at  all  times  to 
consult  her  husband's  comfort,  and  to  receive  with  a 
kind  welcome  all  his  friends  and  visitants.  If  her 
temper  be  irascible,  discontented,  querulous  or  vin- 
dictive, she  will  not  only  create  many  a  bitter  hour  un- 
der her  own  roof ;  but  will  also  alienate  the  friends  of 
him  whom  she  has  the  deepest  possible  interest  in  sus- 
taining, and  present  an  additional  obstacle  to  the  fa- 
vourable influence  of  his  best  exertions.  Manya  mmis- 


35Q  LETTERS    ON    CLERICAL    MANNERS, 

ter  has  had  his  usefulness  in  a  great  measure  prostrat- 
ed, and  some  have  been  driven  from  comfortable  set- 
tlements, by  the  acerbity  and  perverseness  of  fe- 
male tempers.  And,  on  the  other  hand,  it  is  but 
justice,  and  equally  to  my  purpose,  to  add,  that,  in 
many  cases,  m  clergyman  of  weak  mind,  or  unhappy 
natural  temper  himself,  has  been  most  happily  influ- 
enced from  day  to  day,  and  in  a  great  measure  sus- 
tained in  dignity  and  usefulness,  by  the  affability, 
prudence,  and  address  of  an  amiable  wife. 

9.  Good  health  and  a  good  flow  of  spi- 
rits IN  A  WIFE  are  of  incalculable  importance  to 
any  man  ;  but  to  a  minister  of  the  gospel  they  are, 
obviously,  of  peculiar  importance.  I  will  not  sup- 
pose you  capable  of  being  so  insane  as  to  wed  a 
known  valetudinarian  ;  in  other  words,  voluntarily 
to  connect  yourself  with  an  incumbrance^  rather 
than  a  help^  for  life.  Your  companion  may  become 
sickly,  after  marriage.  If  this  should  be  the  case, 
submit  to  it  without  a  murmur,  and  cherish  her  with 
growing  affection,  just  as  you  would  wish  her  to  do, 
if  your  own  health  should  fail.  But  pray  do  not 
begin  with  a  nursling.  An  invahd,  of  either  sex, 
ought,  undoubtedly,  to  receive  your  compassion,  and, 
as  far  as  practicable,  your  benevolent  attention  ; 
but,  in  seeking  a  wife,  I  shall  take  for  granted  that 
you  wish  to  obtain  a  companion  by  whom  your  own 
enjoyment  and  usefulness  will  be  increased.  But 
surely  there  is  a  miserable  prospect  of  either  o^ 
these  objects  being,  to  any  extent,  attained,  when 
any  one  commences  his  conjugal  career  with  a  com- 


LETTERS    ON    CLERICAL    MANNERS.  357 

panion,  whose  frail,  morbid  frame,  and  continually 
recurring  indisposition,  are  ominous  of  the  sick 
room,  rather  than  of  the  cheerful,  active  housewife, 
as  long  as  she  lives.  Nay,  more  ;  not  only  seek  a 
wife  of  good  health,  and  some  activity  and  energy  ; 
but  one  who  has  also  a  good  flow  of  animal  spirits. 
How  inestimably  important  to  an  intellectual  and 
moral  labourer,  that  he  have  a  companion  who  will 
habitually  be  able  to  cheer  him  in  his  gloom  ;  to 
encourage  him  in  sickness  ;  to  incite  him  in  his  lan- 
guid hours  ;  and  to  banish  the  clouds  which  occa- 
sionally obscure  his  prospect,  by  the  fascination  of  a 
smiling  countenance,  which  "  doeth  good  like  a  me- 
dicine !" 

10.  You  will,  no  doubt,  have  observed,  that,  in 
the  foregoing  list  of  requisites,  I  have  said  nothing 
of  PERSONAL  BEAUTY.  For  this,  my  reasons  are 
various.  There  is  no  danger  of  this  quality  having 
less  influence  than  it  ought  to  have,  in  the  choice 
of  a  wife.  All  the  danger  is  on  the  other  side.  It 
is  a  fading  flower  ;  soon  passing  away,  and  leav- 
ing the  intellectual  and  moral  qualities,  the  grand 
requisites  to  conjugal  felicity.  Even  while  it  lasts, 
it  enters  much  less  into  the  essence  of  connu= 
bial  bliss,  than  the  youthful  imagination  is  apt  to 
suppose.  Some  of  the  happiest  marriages  I  have 
ever  known  were  cases  in  which  the  wife  was  re- 
markably homely,  rather  than  beautiful ;  but  in 
which  her  moral  beauty  was  very  conspicuous. 
While,  therefore,  it  is,  doubtless,  desirable  that  the 
woman  with   whom  you  hope  to  spend  your  life, 


358  LETTERS    ON   CLERICAL  MANNERS. 

should  have  a  face  and  person  entirely  agreeable 
to  you  ;  I  trust  you  will  not  be  unwise  enough  to 
consider  a  "  set  of  features  and  complexion,"  as  all 
in  all  in  your  choice.  In  less  than  half  a  dozen 
years  after  you  have  become  a  husband,  every  thing 
of  this  nature  will  be  lost  in  the  more  important  con- 
siderations of  the  understanding,  the  temper,  the 
heart,  and  the  practical  duties  of  domestick  life. 
11.  I  solemnly  warn  you  against  marrying 
FOR  MONEY.  And  by  this  I  mean  something  more 
than  is  commonly  intended  by  the  expression.  To 
be  influenced,  in  forming  a  matrimonial  connexion, 
solely  or  chiefly,  by  considerations  of  property,  and 
not  by  genuine  affection,  I  hold  to  be  a  complicated 
wickedness  ;  a  sin  against  God,  against  nature,  and 
against  domestick  enjoyment ;  and  it  is  no  less  a 
folly  than  d^sin.  Such  marriages  are  scarcely  ever 
happy  ;  and  nf>  wonder  that  the  frown  of  heaven, 
as  well  as  the  disapprobation  of  all  the  wise  and 
good,  should  rest  upon  them.  But  I  would  go  further, 
and  say,  to  a  young  clergyman,  by  no  means  marry  a 
lady  of  very  large  estate,  even  if  you  can  love  her 
sincerely.  Her  property  will,  without  something 
like  a  miracle,  be  a  snare  to  you.  She  will  proba- 
bly expect  to  live  in  splendour  ;  to  see  much  com- 
pany ;  and  to  adopt  a  stjle  of  equipage  and  expense 
by  no  means  friendly  to  christian  simoliciiy  and 
spirituality.  This  will  be  fatal  to  your  ministerial 
fidelity  and  comfort.  Besides, the  very  care  and  anx- 
iety unavoidable  in  managing  2i  large  estatr,  would 
make  your  heart  and  hands  so  full  of  the  world,  as 


LETTERS   ON   CLERICAL    MANNERS.  359 

wholly  to  interfere  with  exclusive  consecratio  not 
the  duties  of  your  office.  I  say,  again,  then,  be  not 
in  haste  to  wed  a  large  worldly  property.  In  one 
case  only  would  I  allow  such  a  step,  viz.  where  the 
female  who  brought  the  property  was  decisively, 
pious  ;  disposed  to  be  plain  and  simple  in  her  habits  ; 
and  not  likely  to  ensnare  a  servant  of  Christ,  by 
^vorldly  cares  and  parade.  But  who  can  be  sure 
that  this  will  be  the  case  with  her  whom  he  mar- 
ries ?  The  best  way  is  to  avoid  the  danger  altogether. 
In  giving  this  advice,  howxver,  I  acknowledge,  I 
have  little  hope  that  it  will  be  considered  as  wise, 
and  far  les-  fh?it  it  will  be  follow^ed.  But  if  you  go 
counter  t<.  it,  you  w^ill  bring  on  yourself  many  a 
heart  ache,  w.iich  will  convince  you  of  its  wisdom 
afterwards.  I  have  known  of  one  instance  of  a 
clergyman  declining  a  matrimonial  connexion  of  the 
most  attractive  character  from  motives  such  as  these  ; 
but  he  was  a  man  of  singular  piety,  disinterestedness, 
and  magnanimity. 

12.  Recollect  that  there  is  no  step  in  life,   in 

WHICH  YOU  STAND  MORE  IN    NEED    OF    CONSTANT  Dl- 

viNE  DIRECTION,  than  in  choosing  a  wife.  Perhaps 
I  ought  rather  to  say,  that  there  is  no  temporal  ^ie^m 
v/hich  you  stand  so  much  in  need  of  the  guidance  of 
infinite  Wisdom.  To  marry  without  cordial  aj^ection 
is  madness. T  o  marry  without  sacredly  listening 
to  the  dictates  of  prudence^  as  to  the  piety,  the  good 
sense,  the  good  temper,  and  the  amiable  manners  of 
the  individual  selected,  is  equal  madness.  How 
shall  the  demands  of  both  be  satisfied  ?  Especially 


360         LETTERS    ON  CLERICAL   MANNERS. 

since  this,  of  ali  the  subjects  which  can  come  be- 
fore the  mind,  is  that  concerning  which  capiice, 
fancy,  and  passion  are,  perhaps,  most  apt  to  bUnd 
the  judgment,  and  bear  a  sovereign  sway  ?  For  my 
part,  when  I  recollect  these  things,  I  am  constrained 
to  ask,  can  there  be  a  subject  concerning  which  you 
more  urgently  need  guidance  from  above  ?  Can 
there  be  a  subject  in  regard  to  which  it  behoves  you 
more  implicitly  to  cast  yourself  on  the  teaching  and 
the  control  of  God,  and  more  importunately  to  beg 
him  to  choose  foryou?  To  this  momentous  matter,  let 
me,  with  peculiar  emphasis,  apply  thatprecious  pre- 
cept and  promise  of  God's  word; — "  Acknowledge  him 
in  all  thy  ways, and  He  will  direct  thy  steps."  Beseech 
him  with  unwearied  importunity  to  go  before  you  ;  to 
guard  you  against  the  confidence  of  self-will,  and  the 
government  of  unhallowed  passion  ;  to  point  out  the 
proper  object ;  to  direct  your  choice  in  mercy  ;  and 
to  preside  over  every  step  in  your  progress.  He 
c«n,  and  if  you  importunately  ask  Him,  you  have 
reason  to  hope,  he  will^  guide  your  eye ;  control 
your  feelings ;  lead  you  by  his  Providence  ;  remove 
difficulties;  and  conduct  you  to  a  union  for  which 
you  will  have  reason  to  praise  him  for  ever.  If  God 
were  more  acknowledged  and  honoured  in  forming 
matrimonial  connexions,  we  should  see  more  happy 
marriages  But  if,  instead  of  this,  in  seeking  a 
wife,  you  forget  the  best  Counsellor  ;  conduct  your 
inquiries  more  by  the  eye  than  the  ear  ;  think  only 


LETTERS  ON  CLERICAL  MANNERS.      3G 1 

of  those  qualities  \Yhich  please  the  fancy  ;  depend 
on  effecting  an  entire  revolution  in  a  character  con- 
fessed not  to  be,  at  present,  at  all  suitable ;  and  turn 
away  from  the  warnings  of  piety  and  experience  ; — 
why,  then,  you  will  probably  find  your  acquisition  a 
scourge  instead  of  a  blessing,  and  all  your  anticipat- 
ed joys  turned  into  gall  and  wormwood. 

13.  Beware  of  violating  a  matrimonial  en- 
gagemknt  after  having  formed  it.  i  havc  somc- 
times  doubted  whether  there  were  on  the  minds  of 
many  conscientious  young  men,  a  sufficiently  deep 
impression  of  the  evil  of  this  conduct.  The  same 
levity  of  feeling  which  is  apt  to  prevail  in  forming 
such  contracts,  is  too  apt  to  be  indulged  in  breaking 
them.  And  hence,  some,  who  claim  strong  sensibil- 
ity to  the  point  of  honour,  and  even  of  piety,  after  en- 
tering into  a  solemn  contract  of  this  kind,  have  not 
scrupled  unceremoniously  to  violate  it,  and  perhaps 
in  a  manner,  and  in  circumstances  extremely  revolt- 
ing to  delicate  minds.  Such  cases  are  always  deeply 
to  be  deplored  ;  and,  where  an  individual  of  your  pro- 
fession is  concerned,  cannot  fail  to  inflict  a  severe 
wound  on  religion.  1  do  not  say,  that  a  sokmnly 
betrothed  party  may  in  no  case  w^hatever,  break  oil* 
an  engagement  before  marriage.  For  I  have  no 
doubt  that  new  facts  may  sometimes  arise,  and  im- 
portant discoveries  be  made,  which  will  fully  justify 
such  a  step.  But,  in  my  opinion,  by  far  the  greater 
part  of  the  cases  of  such  conduct  which  occur,  are 
utterly  unjustifiable,  and  deserve  lasting  censure.  It 
is  no  valid  plea  to  say  that  affection  has  cooled.  That 
2  u 


382       LETTERS  ON  CLERICAL  MANNERS. 

may  be  an  evidence  that  there  was  juvenile  folly  and 
haste  in  the  engagement  ;  but  by  no  means  proves 
that  it  may  be  violated  at  pleasure.  Suppose  affec- 
tion to  cool  after  marriage ;  what  then  ?  Truly  it  is 
an  unhappy  dilemma;  but  still  it  only  proves  that 
the  man  wdi^ precipitate  at  first,  and  ificonstant  after- 
wards ;  but  neitherbranch  of  character  will  add  much 
to  his  reputation  among  the  wise  and  the  good.  The 
remedy  for  all  this  is  obvious.  Be  careful  in  inquir- 
ing. Be  deliberate  and  prayerful  in  choosing.  When 
you  have  made  the  choice,  and  stand  in  the  siiufition 
of  one  betrothed,  no  more  admit  the  thought  of  vio- 
lating the  engagement,  than  you  would  think  of  de- 
serting a  wife  and  half  a  dozen  children.  And  even 
if  the  most  serious  considerations  arise,  to  make  a 
rupture  of  the  contract, in  your  view,  necessary,  you 
ou^ht  to  regard  it  as  one  of  the  greatest  misfortunes 
of  vour  life  ;  and,  like  the  English  prelate,  who  had 
committed  an  accidental  homicide,  to  keep  an  annual 
day  of  humiliation  and  fasting  in  memory  of  it  to  the 
latest  year  of  your  course. 

14.  From  the  hour  that  you  become  a   husband, 

LET  IT  BE  YOUR  CARE  TO  SET  AN  EDIFYING  EX- 
AMPLE OF  CONJUGAL  EXCELLENCE.  As  a  clcrgymau 
ought  to  be  the  most  pious  man  in  his  parish  ;  to  go 
before  all  his  people  in  the  exemplification  of  every 
christian  grace  and  virtue :  so  he  ought  to  make  a 
point  of  hemgthebest  husband  in  his  parish  ;  of 
endeavouring  to  excel  all  others  in  affection,  kind- 
ness, attention,  and  every  conjugal  and  domestick 
virtue.     Unfortunately,  this  is  not  always  the  case. 


LETTERS    ON    CLERICAL    MANNERS.  363 

Some  clergymen,  who  preach  well  on  the  duties  of 
husbands  and  wives,  are,  notwithstanding,  austere, 
harsh,  tyrannical,  and  unkind  in  their  own  families. 
Whenever  this  is  the  case,  it  can  seldom  fail  to  be 
known  ;  and,  when  known,  can  never  fail  to  dimin- 
ish, in  some  degree,  their  official  influence.  But,  I 
need  not  say,  that  your  daily  and  hourly  happiness, 
still  more  than  your  reputation,  will  be  involved  in 
this  matter.  It  would  be  unseasonable  here  to  at- 
tempt even  the  most  cursory  detail  of  conjugal  duties. 
Suffice  it  to  say,  that  if  you  should  not  love  your  wife 
enough  to  make  the  most  unceasing  attentions  aiid 
kindness  to  her  delightful ;  if  you  should  not  have  an 
affiiction  for  her  so  strong  as  to  prompt  you  to  be 
continually  contriving  something  for  her  happiness, 
even  at  the  expense  of  seif  denial  and  sacrifice  on 
your  part;  if  the  feelings  of  your  heart  should  not 
spontaneously  dispose  you  to  bear  with  her  infirmi- 
ties, to  cover  her  faults,  to  comply  with  all  her  rea- 
sonable wishes,  and  to  respect  and  honour  her  in  the 
presence  of  your  family,  as  well  as  of  strangers  ; — I 
say,  if  you  should  not  have  a  love  for  your  wife  which 
will  prompt  you,  without  constraint,  to  do  all  this,  it 
will  be  vain  to  give  you  counsels  on  the  subject. 
But  with  such  a  governing  attachment  as  I  have  sup- 
posed, all  this  will  be  easy,  natural,  and  pleasant. 
Do  not,  however,  expect  perfect  bliss  with  any  wo- 
man, however  lovely  or  excellent.  As  you  are  your- 
self a  fallen  and  depraved  creature  ;  you  must  expect 
to  find  her  so  too.  And  as  she  will  certainly  see 
much  requiring  to  be   overlooked  and  forgiven  in 


'   364  LETTERS    ON"    CLERICAL    MANNERS, 

you  ;  so  you  must  be  willing  to  overlook  and  forgive, 
if  you  hope  to  receive  the  same  favour.  Even  if 
you  find  yourself  somewhat  disappointed  in  the  wo- 
man of  your  choice,  do  not  imagine  that  this  will  re- 
lease you  from  the  obligation  to  treat  her  with  unre- 
mitring  kindness  and  attention.  Suppose  her  to  be 
somewhat  disappointed  in  you  ;  would  that  release 
her  from  the  obligation  to  make  you  an  affectionate 
and  attentive  wife?  Surely  if  there  be  any  one 
who  is  bound  to  contemplate  this  whole  subject 
through  the  medium  ofchristian  principle,  and  chris- 
tian duty,  it  is  a  minister  of  the  gospel. 

But  there  are  two  faults  to  which  attentive  husbands 
are  frequently  liable.  The  one  is,  indulging  in  undue 
fondness,  and  even  caresses,  before  company.  This 
is  disgusting  in  any  one,  but  in  a  clergyman  pecu- 
liarly so.  The  other  is,  paying  to  a  w^ife  in  compa- 
ny that  punctUious  and  extreme  attention,  which 
is  really  a  kind  of  overacting,  and  which  seldom  fails 
to  be  unfavourably  noticed.  While  you  avoid  both 
these  faults,  maintain  that  easy,  unaffected  attention, 
that  cordial  yet  dignified  kindness,  which  indicate  a 
deep  seated  and  pure  attachment. 

15,  The  conduct  proper  to  be  observed  by  the 

WIVES  AND  DAUGHTERS  OF  CLERGYMEN,  ES  WORTHY 

OF  YOUR  MOST  SERIOUS  ATTENTION.  That  they 
ought  to  study  to  be  exemplary  beyond  the  degree 
which  is  required  of  those  in  the  ordinary  walks  of 
life,  I  suppose  all  wilL concede.  As  to  the  precise 
details  of  this  example,  there  will  probably  be  some 
div-ersity  of  opinion.     In  the  following  hints.  I  give 


LETTERS    ON    CLERICAL    MANNERS.  365 

you  the  result  of  some  experience,  and  of  the  strong- 
est convictions.  1  represent  the  subject  as  worthy 
oiyour  serious  attention,  because  1  take  for  grant- 
ed that  any  woman  whom  you  would  consent  to 
marry,  may  be  expected  to  regard  your  wishes,  pro- 
perly expressed,  with  sacred  attention.  If  there  be 
any  clergyman's  wife  who  wiaps  herself  up  in  a  cold 
indifference  to  the  friends,  the  interests,  and  the  con- 
gregation of  her  husband,  and  who  feels  herself  at  lib- 
erty to  depart  from  that  line  of  conduct  which  is  ob- 
viously calculated  to  strengthen  his  hold  on  the  affec- 
tions of  his  people,  and  to  promote  his  general  com- 
fort, usefulness  and  honour ;  I  can  only  say,  that,  in 
my  view,  whatever  her  other  accomplishments  may 
be,  she  labours  under  either  a  weaktiess  of  judgment 
or  a  defect  of  principle,  which  cannot  but  render  her 
a  pitiable  object  among  all  sober-minded  observers. 
Whatever  may  be  your  temporal  circumstances, 
let  your  wife,  and  your  daughters,  if  God  should  give 
you  any,  be  studiously  plain  in  their  dress.  Let  no 
marked  expensiveness ;  no  devotedness  to  fashion  ; 
no  flaring  colours ;  no  symptom  of  inordinate  at- 
tention to  ornament,  ever  appear  among  the  mem- 
bers of  your  family.  On  the  contrary,  let  simplici- 
ty, modesty,  economy,  and  the  absence  of  all  ostenta- 
tion, in  this  respect,  be  among  their  invariable  char- 
acteristicks.  I  give  this  advice  under  a  deep  per- 
suasion, not  only  of  its  justice,  but  also  of  its  impor- 
tance. And  I  do  not  give  it  merely  because,  by 
following  it,  much  unnecessary  expense  may  annual- 
ly be  saved.  This,  indeed,  in  a  christian  family,  de' 
2  H  2 


36G  LETTERS    ON    CLERICAL    MANNERS. 

mands  constant  attention.  But  the  counsel  before 
us  ought  to  be  followed  from  other,  and  far  higher 
motives : — for  the  purpose  of  setting  an  example  of 
simplicity  and  economy  ;  for  the  purpose  of  repress- 
ing those  inordinate  sacrifices  to  "  bodily  adorning,''' 
which  are  apt  so  criminally,  and  so  mischievously 
to  prevail  in  all  polished  society  :  and  for  the  pur- 
pose, too,  of  consulting  the  feelings  of  the  less  fash- 
ionable part  of  most  congregations,  who  are  always 
pained,  and  justly  pained,  at  seeing  the  members  of 
their  ministers'  families  dress  in  a  splendid  style.  And 
if  you  imagine  that  the  most  gay  and  wealthy  part  of 
a  pastor's  congregation  would  esteem  any  member 
of  his  family  the  less  for  dressing  in  the  manner  ad- 
vised, you  were  never  more  egregiously  deceived 
in  }0ur  life. 

That  a  clergyman's  wife  ought  also  to  feel  that  she 
bears  an  important  relation  to  the  families  under 
his  pastoral  care,  will,  I  suppose,  be  readily  granted. 
How  far,  indeed,  she  ought  to  aim  at  going  in  the  im- 
portant work  of  vifiiting  those  families,  cannot  be 
definitely  prescribed.  This  will,  of  course,  depend 
very  much  on  the  situation  of  her  own  family,  her 
health,  her  degree  of  leisure,  fcc.  But  that  a  pious 
and  prudent  woman  can  accomplish  a  vast  amount 
of  good,  by  visiting  among  the  people  of  her  com- 
panion's charge;  especially  among  the  females;  not 
forgetting  the  plainest  and  poorest  any  more  than 
the  most  wealthy :  and  that  it  is  her  duty  to  do  as 
much  of  this  as  her  circumstances  will  admit,  none. 
I  hope,  will  be  disposed  to  doubt. 


LETTERS   ON   CLERICAL   MANNERS.  307 

■  I  will  only  add,  that  it  is  of  immense  importance 
to  a  clergyman,  that  his  wife  not  only  have,  in  gen- 
eral, good  sense,  and  prudence,  as  before  inculcated, 
but  that  she,  and  all  the  members  of  his  family, 
should  be  aware  that  it  is  pecuharly  incumbent  on 
them,  as  a  matter  of  decorum,  as  well  as  duty,  to  be 
"grave,  sober,  no  slanderers,'"  habitually  and  de- 
licately reserved  with  respect  to  every  thing  which 
concerns  either  his  personal  or  official  duties,  and 
constantly  on  their  guard  against  every  thing,  in 
speech  or  behaviour,  which  may,  even  by  possibility, 
implicate  his  character  or  usefulness.  1  wish  the 
wives  and  children  of  clergymen  felt  as  they  ought, 
the  undoubted  truth,  that  every  instance  of  levity  or 
indiscretion  on  their  part,  is  not  only  wrong  in  itself, 
but  tends  also,  in  ways  which  they  little  think  of, 
to  depress  the  reputation  of  those  whom  it  is,  in 
every  respect,  their  highest  interest  to  honour. 

16.  Before  marriage,  as  well  as  after- 
wards, EXERCISE  GREAT  DELICACY  IN  CONVERS- 
ING WITH  FFMALES.  There  are  clergymen,  both 
single  and  married,  who  are  not  sufficiently  atten- 
tive to  this  point.  Every  thing  that  approaches  to 
fondling  with  females  ; — frequently  taking  hold  of 
their  hands ;  leaning  on,  or  over  their  persons ;  sa- 
luting them  ;  retiring  much  with  them  into  private 
apartments  ;  often  taking  sohtary  walks  witti  them  ; 
corresponding  with  them  by  letter,  Gic. — are  all 
practices  of  which  clergymen,  young  or  old,  ought 
to  be  extremely  cautious,  and  more  especially  in 
repcct  to  married  females.     In  a  word,  in  all  your 


368  LETTERS   ON   CLERICAL   MANNERS. 

associations  with  the  other  sex,  let  your  dehcacy  be 
of  the  most  scrupulous  kind.  Shun  not  only  the 
reality,  but  even  the  appearance  of  evil.  And  re- 
.  member  that  the  very  conhdence,  with  respect  to 
purity,  which  is  commonly  placed  in  a  clergyman's 
character,  while  it  is,  in  some  respects,  highly  ad- 
vantageous, may  become  a  snare  to  him  in  a  variety 
of  ways  easily  conceivable. 

The  importance  of  perfect  delicacy  of  language 
on  the  part  of  a  clergyman,  in  conversing  with  fe- 
males, has  been  urged  in  a  preceding  Letter.  I 
shall  not,  therefore, now  enlarge  on  thesubject,  further 
than  to  say,  that,  for  any  one  to  use  an  expression, 
in  their  presence,  which  borders  on  the  indecent,  or 
approaches  even  to  double  entendre^  is  to  forfeit  the 
character  of  a  gentleman  ;  but  for  a  minister  of  re- 
ligion to  be  guilty  of  any  thing  of  this  kind,  is  pecu- 
liarly base.  There  is  no  need,  iiowever,  of  my  ad- 
ding another  syllable  in  support  of  so  plain  a  dic- 
tate of  common  decorum. 

The  manner  in  which  you  converse  with  women, 
and  especially  with  young  women,  on  the  subject  of 
experimental  religion,  will  be  worthy  of  your  par- 
ticular attention.  Here  the  text  which  stands  at 
the  head  of  this  Letter  is  strictly  applicable.  En- 
treat the  elder  women  as  mothers  ;  the  younger 
as  sisters,  with  all  purity.  Do  not  afli^ct  priva- 
cy in  your  conversations  with  either,  more  than  the 
nature  of  the  case  may  render  absolutely  necessary. 
And,  as  often  as  you  can,  avail  yourself  of  the  aid 
of  those  "mothers  in  Israel,"  whose  piety,  experience. 


LETTERS    ON   CLERICAL    MAJfNTTRS.  3G9 

and  influence  render  them  capable  of  eminent  use- 
fulness among  anxious   inquirers  of  their  own  sex. 

17.  Let  all  the  time  that  you  spend  in  the  so- 
ciety of  females  be  emplote-d  as  much  as  possi- 
ble IN  USEFUL  CONVERSATION.  When  young men 
of  the  world  converse  with  females,  they  commonly, 
of  design,  dwell  on  frivolous  subjects,  because  they 
suppose  no  other  to  be  adapted  to  the  capacity  of 
their  sex.  As  this  will  not  be  your  opinion,  if  you 
derive  your  sentiments  from  the  Bible ;  so  I  trust 
your  practice  will  be  different.  Never  imagine  that 
to  talk  on  light  and  vain  subjects,  is  to  accommodate 
yourself  to  females.  They  will  neither  respect  nor 
thank  you  for  the  accommodation.  Women  are 
just  as  capable  as  others,  of  comprehending  and 
discussing  to  advantage,  most  subjects  which  ought 
to  be  introduced  into  anj  company.  And  there  are 
many  subjects  of  great  importance,  which  they  are 
able  to  treat  in  a  nnore  striking  manner,  and  with  a 
more  delicate  touch,  than  most  men.  Avail  your- 
self of  this  fact.  Try  to  turn  every  moment  that 
you  spend  in  their  society  to  good  account,  both  for 
yourself,  and  for  them.  Especially  let  Religion,  and 
the  great  subjects  connected  with  it,  form  as  much 
as  possible,  when  in  their  company,  the  leading  to- 
pick  of  conversation.  You  cannot  take  a  better 
method,  at  once,  to  promote  their  improvement  and 
your  own,  and  to  gain  their  confidence. 

18.  Never  allow  yourself  to  adopt  those  con- 
temptuous    EXPRESSIONS     CONCERNING     THE     Fe- 

MALE  SEX  GENERALLY,  which  Hccntious  men  are  so 


370  LETTERS    ON    CLERICAL   MANNERS. 

apt  to  indulge,  and  which  some  good  men  are  prone, 
inconsiderately,  to  employ.  That  men  who  have 
little  or  no  principle  themselves,  and  who  have  no 
real  acquaintance  with  any  but  the  most  worthless 
portion  of  the  other  sex,  should  be  fond  of  throw- 
ing out  reproaches  against  the  character  of  women, 
as  a  body,  is  not  wonderful.  But  when  I  hear  a 
man  of  knowledge  and  piety,  and,  above  all,  a  cler- 
gyman, doing  this,  1  generally  conclude,  either  that 
he  is  a  weak  man  ;  that  he  has  kept  bad  company  ; 
or  that  he  is  revenging  some  supposed  ill  treatment 
from  an  individual  female,  or  some  unhappy  con- 
nexion or  occurrence,  in  earlier  life.  Be  assured, 
my  young  friend,  this  is  foolish  conduct.  No  truly 
wise  man  was  ever  guilty  of  it.  Timt  there  is  more 
intellectual  culture  among  men  than  women,  is  evi- 
dent. But  that  there  is  more  native  intellectual 
soundness  d^nd.  justness  of  mind  among  the  former 
than  the  latter,  I  do  not  believe.  And  that  there  is, 
decisively,  more  moral  excellence  among  women 
in  general,  in  christian  countries,  than  among  the 
other  sex,  I  am  deliberately  persuaded.  If  this,  or 
any  thing  like  this,  be  true,  then  the  practice  of 
speaking  slightly  of  women,  is  not  just  in  itself;  is 
not  agreeable  to  the  word  of  God  ;  and  is  not  adapt- 
ed to  promote  the  great  interests  of  virtue  and  piety 
in  the  world.  It  can  aaswer  no  other  purpose  than 
to  harden  licentiousness  in  its  folly  ;  to  mislead  the 
young;  to  depreciate,  in  the  view  of  many,  a  most  pre- 
cious part  of  the  church  of  Christ ;  and  to  present  an 
unnecessary  obstacle  in  the  way  of  their  usefulness. 


LETTERS    ON    CLERICAL   MANNERS.  371 

19.  I  have  only  to  add,  as  a  final  counsel,   grow- 
ing out  of  all  that  has  been  said  on  this  subject,  that 

VOU  ENDEAVOUR  TO  MAINTAIN  A  CONSTANT  AND 
FIRM  INFLUENCE  ON  THE  MINDS  OF  THE  PIOUS 
FEMALES,     WHEREVER    YOU    RESIDE.       Depend    UpOD 

it,  this  is  worth  all  the  care  and  pains  you  may  take 
for  its  attainment.  If  you  do  not  stand  well  with 
the  female  portion  of  your  pastoral  charge,  as  I  re- 
marked in  the  introduction  to  this  letter,  your  pros- 
pect of  usefulness  in  the  ministry  will  be  very  small. 
If  you  ask  me  how  the  influence  which  t  recommend 
shall  be  gained  and  preserved  ?  I  answer,  not  by  flat- 
tery ;  not  by  any  indirect  or  crooked  arts;  but  by 
the  faithful  and  able  discharge  of  all  }  our  publick 
duties  ;  by  a  private  conversation,  pure,  delicate,  and 
dignified;  and  by  treating  your  female  parishioners 
with  that  respectful  and  appropriate  attention  which 
the  word  of  God,  and  the  interests  of  his  ki:*^dom  ev- 
idently command.  We  live  in  an  age  in  which  pious 
females  take  a  far  more  active  part  in  promoting  the 
spread  of  the  gospel,  than  was  common  half  a  centu- 
ry ago.  Their  associations,  for  a  variety  of  humane 
and  evangelical  purposes,  you  will  be  prepared,  I 
trust,  in  common  with  every  enlightened  minister  of 
Christ,  to  patronize  and  honour.  If  you  do  this;  if 
you  encourage  jour  own  wife — if  you  shall  be  so 
happy  as  to  have  a  pious  one — to  take  the  lead  in 
every  laudable  enterprise  among  her  own  sex;  and 
if  your  own  deportment  be,  in  all  respects,  such  as 
becomes  the  christian  minister  and  gentleman,  I  will 
answer  for  your  acquiring  and  maintaining  as  much 


372  LETTERS   O'S   CLERICAL   MANNERS. 

ofthe  influence  of  which  I  speak,  as  you  ought  to 
have,  and^  for  your  finding  it  one  of  the  most 
valuable  auxiliaries  in  the  exercise  of  your  min- 
istry. 


I.STTXSR    XZXX. 

LET  YOUR  MODERjiTIOJV  BE  KJSTOWM  UJSTTO  ALL  ME^'-. 

Philip,  iv.  5 


DRESS— STYLE  OF   LIVING— PECUNIARY  CONCERNS. 


My  dear  young  Friend, 

It  may  seem,  at  first  view,  scarcely  necessary,  or 
even  proper,  in  addressing  a  candidate  for  the  min- 
istry in  the  Presbyterian  church,  to  dwell  on  the 
subjects  which  appear  at  the  head  of  this  Letter. 
It  is  well  known  that  the  temporal  circumstances  of 
our  ministers  are  very  rarely  affluent,  and  seldom  even 
comfortably  easy.  Much  labour,  small  salaries,  and 
habitual  self  denial,  are,  in  general,  the  lot  of  those 
who,  in  our  church,  aspire  to  the  precious  privilege 
of  serving  Christ  in  the  "ministry  of  reconciliation." 
Why,  then,  it  may  be  asked,  should  it  be  deemed 
proper  to  discuss  a  set  of  subjects  which  can  be  con- 
sidered as  claiming  the  particular  attention  of  those 
only  whose  resources  enable  them  to  command 
some  of  the  luxuries  of  Ufe  ? 

This  objection  is  by  no  means  solid.  A  few  of 
our  ministers,  especially  those  who  reside  in  great 
cities,  and  other  populous  places,  have  the  means  of 
living  somewhat  splendidly,  and  are  often  placed  un- 


374  LETTEIIS   ON   CLERICAL    MANNERS. 

der  very  strong  temptations  to  do  so.  Some,  who 
are  differently  situated,  have  a  natural  and  almost 
irresistible  propensity  to  show  and  parade,  which 
they  strain  every  nerve  to  indulge  ;  and  there  are 
even  those  in  the  sacred  profession,  who,  though  ex- 
tremely poor,  are  so  criminally  unwise  and  prodigal, 
as  to  plunge  themselves  into  debt  for  the  gratification 
of  this  propensity.  Surely  a  few  words  applicable 
to  each  of  these  ealsscs  maybe  neither  unseasonable 
nor  useless. 

Perhaps  the  most  serious  difficulties  in  relation  to 
this  point  are  those  which  beset  the  city  clergyman  : 
especially  if  his  pastoral  charge  include  a  number 
of  fashionable  and  wealthy  families,  and  if  the  pro- 
vision which  they  make  for  his  temporal  support  be. 
at  the  same  time,  pretty  Uberal.  If  to  these  circum- 
stances be  added  ihdit  oi  his  famili/  being  strongly 
predisposed  to  expensive  dress,  and  gay  company, 
the  consequences  can  scarcely  fail  of  being  very  un- 
happy. No^  a  few  ministers,  by  yielding  to  tempta- 
tions of  this  kind,  have  grieved  the  hearts  of  the  pi- 
ous ;  weakened  their  own  hands  ;  and  laid  up  in  store 
for  themselves  the  bitterest,  but  ujiavailing,  repen- 
tance. As  you  know  not  the  situation  in  which  you 
may  be  placed  ;  and  as  it  is  desirable  that  every 
young  minister  should  be  armed  beforehand  against 
the  temptations  which  may  assail  him,  I  trust  you 
will  be  wilUng  to  listen  to  a  few  suggestions,  derived 
from  some  observation  and  experience,  and  offered 
under  the  most  solemn  impression  that  they  are  wor- 
thy of  your  serious  regard.     Rely  upon  it,  that,  how- 


LETTERS    ON    CLERICAL   MANNERS.  375 

ever  unfavourably  some  of  them  may  now  impress 
your  mind,  you  will  hereafter  find  in  them  more  both 
of  truth  and  importance,  than  it  is  possible  for  any 
one  to  perceive,  who  has  seen  so  little,  comparative- 
ly, as  you  have,  of  human  life. 

1.  To  begin  with  your  own  dress.  Wherever 
your  lot  may  be  cast,  whether  in  the  country  or  in  a 
city,  let  your  dress  be  always /?/<22w,  but  at  the  same 
time,  whole,  neat  and  clean.  Never  make  it  an  ob- 
ject o{ primary  or  engrossing  attention  ;  but  at  the 
same  time  never  neglect  it.  Even  if  your  residence 
be  ever  so  retired,  never  appear  in  publick  without 
setting  a  good  example  to  your  flock  in  this,  as  well 
as  in  every  other  respect.  Recollect  that  one  of  the 
advantages  of  the  Lord's  day,  and  of  publick  wor- 
ship, is  that  they  afford,  at  once,  an  opportunity  and 
an  inducement  to  lay  aside  the  dust  and  dirt  of  the 
week,  in  a  physical  as  well  as  moral  sense,  and  to 
appear  clad  in  habiliments  which  indicate  attention, 
industry,  and  neatness.  And  as  the  minister  of  the 
gospel  is  a  publick  character,  and  must  necessarily^ 
in  a  great  measure,  live  in  publick,  it  is  desirable 
that  he  should  appear  every  day,  when  he  is  in  com- 
pany at  all,  very  much  as  he  ought  to  appear  on  the 
sabbath.  Let  your  dress,  then,  be  always  simple,  un- 
ostentatious and  economical ;  but  let  it  not  be  sloven- 
ly. Even  if  it  be  coarse,  and  you  cannot  atford  to 
have  it  otherwise  ;  still  let  it  be  free  from  all  disgust- 
ing defilement.  Imagine  not  that  any  degree  of  pie- 
ty, or  talents,  will  atone  for  total  negligence  of  this 
matter.     Be  assured  that,  any  man  who  is  filthy,  or 


376  LETTERS  ON  CLERICAL    MANNERS. 

even  slovenly  in  his  person,  however  striking  maybe 
his  accomplishments  in  other  respects,  will  find  his 
character  and  influence  depressed  in  proportion  to 
the  degree  in  which  this  evil  prevails.  Such  a  fault 
never  did,  and  never  will  exist,  in  any  case,  with  en- 
tire impunity. 

It  is  the  duty  of  a  minister  to  spend  a  part  of 
almost  every  day,  if  not  in  publick,  at  least  in  social 
intercourse :  and  he  knows  not  at  what  hour  he  may 
be  called  upon  to  converse  with  the  most  pohshed 
and  ceremonious  of  his  parishioners  or  neighbours. 
Now,  in  conversing  with  such  individuals,  it  is  surely 
desirable  that  there  be  nothing  in  his  person  calcu- 
lated to  repel  them,  or  to  diminish  his  influence  over 
them  :  nothing  adapted  to  give  them  an  idea  of  fil- 
thiness  or  vulgarity  ;  but,  as  far  as  possible,  of  the  re- 
verse. I  am  decisively  of  tlie  opinion,  therefore^ 
that  some  clergymen,  who  can  very  well  afford  to 
do  otherwise,  have  been  entirely  too  negligent  of 
this  matter,  in  appearing  in  publick.  I  was  once  ac- 
quainted  with  a  minister  of  our  church,  who  was  not 
only  in  very  comfortable  circumstances,  but  rather 
entitled  to  be  called  rich;  who  was  so  culpably  neg- 
ligent of  his  dress,  and,  on  a  particular  occasion,  ap- 
peared in  habiliments  so  unworthy  of  his  character, 
that  a  pious  lady  was  on  the  point  of  procuring  a  suit 
of  clothes  for  him,  when  she  learned,  to  her  sur- 
prise, that  he  was  not  poor,  and  that  he  would  cer- 
tainly be  offended  by  an  offer  of  such  charity.  He 
was  an  uncommonly  pious,  active  minister;  but  he 
had,  as  to  the  point  of  slovenliness  in  dress,  a  consti- 


LETTERS   ON   CLERICAL   MANNERS.  377 

tutioiial  infirmity ;  which,  you  can  readily  perceive, 
might  have  drawn  both  himself  and  others  into  a  very 
embarrassing  situation. 

I  trust  you  will  endeavour  to  guard  against  any 
kind  of  excess  on  this  subject.  On  the  one  hand,  to 
see  a  minister  of  the  gospel  finical,  or  addicted  to  the 
loveof  splendour  or  finery  in  dress  ;  to  see,  in  a  word, 
any  thing  about  his  person  which  discovers  a  special 
attention  to  fashion  or  ornament  in  clothing,  or  a 
peculiar  desire  to  make  a  good  appearance  in  this 
respect,  is  certainly  unworthy  of  his  character.  But, 
on  the  other  hand,  to  see  such  a  degree  of  negligence 
in  reference  to  this  matter  as  is  inconsistent  with 
cleanhness,  and  with  a  decent  respect  for  those  with 
whom  he  associates,  is  equally  disreputabhe,  and 
quite  as  unfriendly  to  his  usefulness.  Why  should 
an  enlightened,  prudent  man,  allow  himself  to  run 
into  either  extreme  ? 

2.   If  you  should  ever  have  A  family,  the  dress 

OF     THOSE    WHO    BELONG    TO    IT,    W^ILL    BE    WORTHY 

OF  YOUR  PARTICULAR  ATTENTION.  1  havc  already 
adverted  to  this  subject  in  the  last  Letter.  But  a  few 
additional  suggestions  in  reference  to  it,  in  this  con- 
nexion, may  not  be  entirely  superfluous.  Not  only 
ought  the  female  part  of  a  clergyman's  family  to 
avoid  every  thing  that  looks  like  devotedness  to 
fashionable  dress;  everything  dazzling,  or^' dash- 
ing," as  the  popular  style  is  ;  but  no  such  folly  ought 
to  appear,  as  far  as  it  can  be  avoided,  in  the  dress  of 
any  of  his  household.  A  disposition  to  load  evea 
his  youngest  children  with  tawdry  or  useless  orna- 
2  I  2 


378  LETTERS   ON    CLERICAL   MANNERS. 

ment,  ought  not  to  be  indulged.  To  make  thenri 
conspicuous  by  red  shoes,  waving  plumes,  and  ex- 
pensive, showy  decorations,  of  any  kind,  may  gratify 
parental  vanity ;  but  cannot  minister  to  the  rational 
comfort  of  either  parents  or  children ;  and  may  make 
an  impression  on  the  minds  of  some  plain  or  poor 
parishioners  which  is  very  far  from  being  desirable. 
Besides  ;  the  tendency  to  indulge  in  excessive  gayety 
and  ornament  of  dress,  is  so  general,^  and,  in  many 
cases,  a  source  of  so  much  evil,  as  remarked  in  a 
former  Letter,  that  a  minister  ought  studiously  to  set 
an  example  of  plainness  and  simplicity  in  this  respect, 
in  all  to  whom  his  influence  extends,  for  the  purpose 
of  promoting  a  similar  habit  in  others.  And  the 
more  able  he  is,  on  the  score  of  expense,  to  indulge 
the  inclinations  of  his  family,  the  more  useful  will  his 
example  be  likely  to  prove. 

3.  If  you  live  to  have  a  house  of  your  own,   let 

YOUR   FURNITURE,  AND   ALL  YOUR   EQUIPAGE  BE 

OF  THE  PLAIN  AND  SIMPLE  KIND.  Most  of  thc  Con- 
siderations urged  in  the  precedi  g  paragraph,  ap- 
ply here  with  equal  force.  There  is  so  strong  a  ten- 
dency, in  many  persons  who  can  ill  afford  it,  to  lav- 
ish expense  on  splendid  furniture,  and  fashionable 
equipage  of  every  kind  ;  that  every  well-wisher  to 
the  cause  of  good  morals,  to  say  nothing  of  religion, 
ought  to  throw  the  whole  weight  of  his  character  in- 
to the  scale  of  the  strictest  moderation.  Even  if 
you  should  be  able,  without  inconvenience,  to  in- 
dulge the  most  refined  taste  in  matters  of  this  kind, 
by  all  means  forbear  to  do  it.    Let  it  be  seen  that 


LETTERS    ON    CLERICAL     MANNERS.  379 

your  heart  is  not  set  on  such  objects ;  that  you  delib- 
erately prefer  simplicity  and  plainness  ;  and  that  you 
conscientiously  choose  to  devote  the  money  which 
might  have  been  spent  in  splendid,  but  useless 
decoration,  to  the  support  of  the  infiifitely  more  im- 
portant interests  of  humanity  and  rehgion. 

For  example;  if  you  should  feel  yourself  able  to 
keep  any  kiad  oi  carriage^  always  prefer  a  plain  to 
an  elegant  or  showy  one.  In  purchasing  horses^  re- 
collect that  sound,  substantial,  decent  looking  ani- 
mals, are'more  suitable  for  a  minister  of  the  gospel, 
than  those  which  are  remarkable  for  titeir  beauty, 
which  must,  of  course,  be  much  more  costly,  with- 
out being  really  more  useful ;  and  in  the  use  of  which 
his  parishioners  would  often  be  tempted  to  remark, 
that  their  minister  was  peculiary  fond  of  fine  horses. 
The  same  principle  will  apply  to  every  article  of 
personal  or  domestick  accommodation.  Make  a 
point  of  never  expending  a  cent  for  show,  or  mere 
useless  decoration  ;  but  all  for  solid  utility  and  con- 
venience. Nay,  of  two  articles  of  exactly  the  same 
utility  and  price,  always  prefer  that  which  is  plain 
and  unostentatious,  to  that  which  is  highly  ornament- 
ed, merely  because  it  is  plain.  I  have  never  known  a 
clergyman  to  deviate  materially  from  this  plan  of  liv- 
ing : — to  affect  splendour : — to  launch  out  into  a  sys- 
tem of  dazzling  expenditure,  calculated  to  excite  the 
envy,  or  the  admiration  of  a  staring  multitude,  with- 
out seriously  depressing  both  his  reputation  and  his 
usefulness  among  all  reflecting  people.  Indeed  to 
see  a  minister  of  the  gospel  ambitious  of  finery,  and 


380  LETTERS    ON   CLERICAL   MANNERS. 

carried  away  with  baubles  and  show,  is  revolting 
even  to  the  devotees  of  the  world  themselves,  who 
see  at  once  how  inconsistent  it  is  with  his  sacred  pro- 
fession, * 

4.  Never  allow  yourself  to  live  beyond  your 
INCOME.  He  who  does  this,  must  either  contract 
debts  without  a  rational  prospect  of  paying  them ; 
or  he  must  expect  to  have  them  discharged  by  the 
hand  of  charity  ;  either  of  which  is  unworthy  of  the 
ministerial  character.  However  scanty,  therefore, 
your  income  may  be,  rigidly  reduce  your  expendi- 
ture within  its  limits.  It  is  not  disreputable  to  be 
poor  ;  but  it  is  highly  disreputable  to  be  prodigal  of 
other  people's  money  Indeed  it  appears  to  me  that 
few  things  can  more  flagrantly  evince  the  want  of 
principle,  than  living  luxuriously  on  property  not 
our  own.  A  writer  in  the  Christian  Observer  (Vol. 
xxii.  p.  551)  expresses  himself  .on  this  subject  in  the 
following  language,  which  does  not  appear  to  me  at 
all  too  strong.  "  A  clergyman  overwhelmed  with  debts 
to  his  parishioners,  whether  his  debts  arise  from  van- 
it}^  or  from  improvidence,  loses  his  influence  over 
their  minds ;  and  it  is  well  if  he  be  not  also  guilty,  as 
too  many  persons  who  heedlessly  plunge  into  debt, 
are,  of  artifices,  evasions,  and  perhaps  worse  oflen- 
ccs,  which  must  bring  him  into  contempt,  and  utter- 
ly destroy  the  spiritual  effect  of  his  ministrations. 
However  rigid  the  economy  called  for  by  a  clergy- 
man's circumstances,  to  that  degree  of  economy  he 
is  conscientiously  bound  to  submit ;  and  every  step  be- 
yond it,  except  under  inevitable  visitations  of  Pro- 


LETTERS   ON   CLERICAL    MANNERS.  381 

vidence,  is  an  advance  towards  disgrace  and  ruin, 
both  as  a  man  and  a  minister." 

5.  Manage  all  your  expenses  with  a  wise 
EcoNOx^Y.  T  wish  to  lay  particular  stress  on  the  word 
ivise.  Every  one  must  perceive,  that  economy  is  a 
relative  term.  That  which  might  be  very  proper- 
ly so  termed  in  one,  would  deserve  the  name  of  ex- 
ceptionable parsimony  in  another,  or  of  criminal  pro- 
digality in  a  third.  Wise  economy  consists  in  main- 
taining a  just  balance  between  that  which  we  have 
to  spend,  on  the  one  hand,  and  that  which  we  real- 
ly need  to  spend  on  the  other.  Pecuniary  embar- 
rassments, in  the  case  of  clergymen,  as  well  as  oth- 
ers, frequently  arise,  not  so  much  from  general  pro- 
digality, as  from  expenditures  which  are  not  neces- 
sary. One  of  the  best  methods  of  keeping  your  ex- 
penses within  the  hmits  of  your  income,  is,  ne\  er  to 
purchase  any  thing,  however  cheap,  or  tempting  the 
article  may  be,  unless  you  really  need  it.  He  who 
rigidly  and  prudently  adheres  to  this  rule,  will  sel- 
dom find  the  state  of  his  finances  very  seriously  de- 
ranged ;  and  will  generally  have  something  to  spare 
for  the  calls  of  charity. 

C.  Carefully  guard   against  every  thing  ap- 

rROACHING      TO      MEANNESS     IN     THE     MANAG  1<;MENT 

OF  YOUR  PECUNIARY  AFFAIRS.  Frugality  is  always, 
and  in  all  persons,  a  virtue.;  but  extreme  and  unsea- 
sonable parsimony,  is  always  censurable  and  degrad- 
ing. Rely  on  it,  a  sordid,- niggardly  spirit  was  never 
useful  to  any  one.  Its  savings  are  pitiful ;  its  gains 
are  mean ;  and,  like   most  other  vices,  it  generally 


382  LETTERS   ON   CLERICAL    MANNERS. 

defeats  its  own  purpose  ;  inducing,  perhaps,the  very 
evil  which  it  aims  to  avoid.  Many  a  man  by  low 
and  unmanly  attempts  to  save,  has  been  plunged  in- 
to unexpected  and  heavy  expenses.  Never  resort 
to  any  means  of  making  money,  inconsistent  with 
the  dignity  of  the  clerical  office,  or  which  you  would 
feel  reluctant  to  have  universally  known.  I  have 
heard  of  clergymen  who  for  the  sake  of  some  petty 
gains,  carried  on,  privately,  a  disreputable  little  trade 
in  articles  of  daily  consumption,  by  pursuing  which, 
with  extreme  exactness  and  parsimony,  they  were 
enabled  to  make  a  few  cents  each  day.  But  it  al- 
ways depressed,  and  in  some  instances,  totally  ruined 
their  character  as  ministers  of  religion. 

7.  Conscientiously   avoid  every  thing  crook- 
ed,  OR    EVEN    QUESTIONABLE,    IN    YOUR     PECUNIARY 

TRANSACTIONS.  It  is  uot  cDough  that  a  minister  of 
the  gospel  sacredly  guard  against  every  thing  in  his 
dealings  really  fraudulent,  and  of  which  the  laws  of 
the  land  can  take  hold  He  is  here,  as  in  all  other 
concerns,  to  shun  every  upproitch  to  that  which  is 
incorre'ct,  or  even  to  that  of  the  correctness  of  which 
there  can  be  the  least  reasonable  doubt.  If  there 
be  any  speculation  or  purchase,  of  the  perfect  fair- 
ness of  which  there  is  a  popular  question,  however 
strong  may  be  your  own  conviction  of  its  fairness. 
have  nothing  to  do  with  it.  To  go  forward  in  such 
an  enterprise  may  be  injurious  ;  but  to  withdraw 
from  it  entirely  is  always  safe.  Whatever  may  be 
your  opinion  on  the  subject  of  what  is  called  usury ^ 
cither  as  to  the  Bible  meaning  of  the  term,  or  the 


LETTESS   ON   CLERICAL   MANNERS.  38^ 

wisdom  of  human  laws  in  reference  to  it,  never  al- 
ow yourself  to  engage  in  any  transaction,  which 
immediately  or  remotely,  bears  the  least  alli- 
ance to  the  usurious  character.  In  short,  never 
permit  yourself  to  be  concerned  in  any  pecuniary 
affair,  which,  if,  by  any  unforeseen  occurrence,  it 
should  hereafter  be  dragged  before  the  publick,  could 
possibly  implicate  either  your  probity  or  honour  in 
the  minds  of  the  most  scrupulous.  Remember  that, 
in  all  cases  whatsoever,  it  is  infinitely  better  to  suf- 
fer wrong,  than  to  do  wrong  ;  and  that  many  things 
which  would  not  be  at  all  noticed  in  another  man, 
may,  in  a  minister  of  the  gospel,  be  considered  as 
far  from  reputable. 

8.  There  are  some  advantages  in  keeping  a    re. 

GULAR  ACCOUNT  OF   YOUR  EXPENDITURES.   YoU 

must  by  no  means  suppose  that  this  practice  is  con- 
fined to  men  of  a  parsimonious  spirit.  Some  of  the 
most  judicious,  and  even  liberal  managers  of  their 
pecuniary  affairs  that  I  have  ever  known,  were  in 
the  constant  habit  of  keeping  such  an  account.  The 
purposes  which  it  may  answer,  are  various,  and  by 
no  means  unworth}'  of  regard.  It  will  be  likely 
very  materially  to  promote  a  general  spirit  of  sys- 
tem and  order  in  your  finances.  It  may  not  only 
serve  as  a  salutary  check  on  unnecessary  expenses ; 
but  it  may  enable  you  to  solve  many  important  ques- 
tions respecting  the  cost  of  living ;  and  it  mjy  form 
a  record  of  no  small  value,  both  as  a  matter  of  cu- 
riosity, and  of  instruction,  in  subsequent  years  of 
your  life.     Such  a  record  has  often  furnished  the 


384  LETTERS    ON    CLERICAL    MANNERS. 

means  of  ascertaining  dates,  and  important  facts,  to 
an  extent  not  at  all  contemplated  at  the  time  of  its 
formation.  A  man,  therefore,  of  habitual  order  in 
his  affairs,  ought  to  be  able  to  say,  how  much  he  re- 
ceives, and  how  much  he  expends,  in  every  year  of 
his  life  ;  and  what  are  the  date  and  amount  of  every 
important  purchase  that  he  makes. 

9.  Persons  of  small   pecuniary  means,  as  clergy- 
men generally  are,   should  make  a  point  of  paying 

READY   MONEY   FOR   EVERY   THING   THEY   BUY. 

Those  who  purchase  on  credit  never  fail  to  pay 
more  for  what  they  buy  than  others.  If  you  wish  to 
live  economically,  therefore,  never  go  in  debt  for 
anything.  Never  keep  running  accounts  for  your 
domestick  supplies.  You  may  thus  save  a  large  per 
centage  on  your  annual  expenditure.  Nor  is  this 
all.  When  you  pay  the  cash  for  every  thing,  you 
know  how  your  money  is  going,  and  can  take  every 
step  with  intelligence  and  distinct  calculation.  But 
when  you  suffer  accounts,  in  half  a  dozen  places,  to 
accumulate,  for  six  or  twelve  months  together,  the 
probabiUty  is,  that  you  will  find  an  amount  rising  up 
against  you  at  the  end  of  this  time,  altogether  unex- 
pected, and  which  you  are  not  prepared  to  meet. 
The  history  of  the  pecuniary  embarrassments  of 
many  a  clergyman  may  be  traced  to  this  source. 
One  who  has  already  plunged  himself  into  difficulty 
by  indiscretion,  may  not  be  able  to  act  agreeably 
to  this  advice  ;  but  by  wise  management  at  the  out- 
set it  may  be  generally  done. 

10.  Set  a  good  example  to  your  parishioners,  and 


LETTERS    ON   CLERICAL   MANNERS.  385 

to  all   around  you,  in  contributing  to  charita- 
ble A.ND  pious  objects.     You   will  often  have  oc- 
casion, both  in  publick  and  private,  to  inculcate  on 
others  the  exercise  of  christian  liberality.     Indeed  I 
have  frequently  thought  that  attention  to  this  duty 
was  not  urged  by  ministers,  either  from  the  pulpit, 
or  in  private  as  much,  by  any  means,  as  its  impor- 
tance demands.     But  what  will  be  the  appearance, 
if,  while  you  strongly  recommend  this  duty  in  words, 
you  set  no  example  of  the  discharge  of  it  in  your 
habits  ?  It  is  true,  ministers  can  seldom  give  much  to 
charitable  and  pious  objects.     Of  silver  and  gold 
they  commonly   have  but  little  to  bestow  on  any 
thing  beyond  the  daily  provision  of  food  and  raiment. 
But  if  they  exercise  a  just  economy,  they  may   and 
will  have  a  Httle.     And  if  that  little  be  suitably  di- 
vided, and  cheerfully  bestowed  ;  if  you  show  a  rea- 
diness, to   the  utmost  of  your  abihty,   and  beyond 
your  ability,  to  contribute  to  the  promotion  of  the 
Redeemer's  kingdom,  you  will  give  one  of  the  best 
possible  evidences  of  your  sincerity  and  zeal. 

11.  Do  not  indulge  A  habit  of  undue  solici- 
tude,   AND    especially    OF     FREQUENT    COMPLAINT, 

respecting  YOUR  TEMPORAL  SUPPORT.  Where 
there  is  either  an  inordinate  love  of  property,  or  a 
querulous  temper,  the  subjects  of  salary^  perqui- 
sites^ (fee,  will  be  apt  to  engage  more  attention,  and 
to  be  more  frequently  the  topicks  of  conversation 
than  a  minister  of  the  gospel  ought  ever  to  allow 
them  to  be.  Never  converse  on  subjects  of  this 
kind,  unless  it  becomes  absolutely  necessary .;  and 


386  LETTERS    ON    CLEUICAL   MANWEKS. 

then  let  it  be  done  sparingly,  and  with  a  (cmt 
confidential  friends  only.  You  may  rest  assured, 
that  dwelling  much  on  his  pecuniary  affairs,  in  in- 
tercourse with  his  parishioners,  never  promoted  the 
real  benefit  of  a  clergyman,  either  as  to  his  purse^ 
or  h\s  reputation.  All  that  can  be  done,  to  any 
advantage,  in  providing  for  the  temporal  comfort  of 
a  pastor,  may,  I  am  persuaded,  be  commonly  done, 
quite  as  effectually,  by  dropping  a  hint,  now  and 
then,  to  a  discreet  friend,  and  much  more  to  the  hon- 
our of  religion,  than  by  the  most  unceasing  com- 
l^laints,  add  the  most  importunate  solicitations. 

12.  Be  not  in  the  habit  of  proposing  to  your  con- 
gregation to  MAKE  SUBSCRirTIONS  OR  DONATIONS 
FOR    YOUR    SUPPORT,  BESIDES    YOUR  SALARY.       SomC 

distinguished  ministers,  both  in  Europe  and  Jimeri' 
ca^  who  had  liberal  salaries,  have  been  repeatedly 
guilty  of  this  indiscretion.  Either  improvidently 
falling  in  debt,  or  being  called  to  meet  some  extraor* 
dinary  expenditure,  they  openly  solicited,  or  indi- 
rectly encouraged  one  private  subscription  after  ano- 
ther for  their  own  rehef.  This  is  seldom  expedient, 
and  often  it  is  exceedingly  injurious.  Where  any 
thing  of  this  kind,  on  a  special  occasion,  once  in  a 
minister's  hfe,  is  spontaneously,  and  without  his 
knowledge,  set  on  foot  by  a  few  friends,  and  carried 
into  execution  with  a  delicate  privacy,  it  may  be  ac- 
cepted without  any  injurious  consequences.  But  if 
he  solicit  it ;  or  if  it  be  repeated  from  time  to  time, 
it  cannot  fail,  insensibly,  to  depress  his  standing 
with  his   people.     It  brings   him  before  their  view 


LETTERS    ON    CLERICAL   MANNERS.  387 

loo  much  in  the  character  of  a  pauper;  and  if  he 
be  presented  to  them  in  this  character  again  and 
again,  in  spite  of  every  thing  that  can  be  said  or  done 
to  the  contrary,  he  will  occupy  a  less  respectable 
place  in  their  feelings.  No  man  who  ministers  at 
the  altar,  ought  ever  to  consider  a  decent  support, 
imparted  by  those  whom  he  serves,  as  charity.  It  is 
nothing  but  his  due.  And  yet,  there  is  a  certain  spi- 
rit of  independence  which  his  own  reputation,  and 
the  honour  of  religion,  equally  call  upon  him  to 
maintain.  The  character  of  an  habitual  beggar  for 
himself,  is  a  miserable  one  for  a  minister  of  the  gos- 
pel. 

13.  Never  leave  a  congregation  on  account 

OF  THE  SMALLNESS  OF  YOUR  SALARY,  IF  YOU  CAN 

POSSIBLY  AVOID  IT.  Every  minister  ought  to  ex- 
pect from  his  people  a  comfortable  support.  Not 
that  which  will  enable  him  to  live  in  luxury;  but 
which  will  place  him  above  want ;  and  dehver  him 
from  those  perplexing  cares,  which  a  very  inconve- 
nient scantiness  of  provision  cannot  fail  to  produce. 
If  your  congregation  should  be  entirely  able  to  give 
you  such  a  support  as  I  have  described,  and  yet  de- 
cline or  neglect  to  do  it,  you  ought  to  take  the  earli- 
est favourable  opportunity  to  leave  them.  The 
workman  is  worthy  of  his  meat.  And  where,  iu 
such  circumstances,  it  is  withheld,  those  who  are  ca- 
pable of  deliberately  withholding  it,  ought  to  feed 
the  consequences  of  their  unchristian  parsimony. 
There  is  neither  justice  nor  charity  in  remaining 
with  a  people  who  will  permit  a  faithful  minister  to 


338         LiyPTERS   ON   CLERICAL   MANNERS. 

starve,  while  they  are  abundantly  able  to  *'  minister 
to  his  necessities." 

But  if  you  should  ever  be  connected  with  a  small 
and  poor  congregation  ;  a  society  of  an  attentive 
and  affectionate  character  ;  earnestly  desirous  of  fur- 
nishing you  with  a  comfortable  support,  but  really 
unable  to  afford  it ;  be  not  ready  to  leave  such  a 
people.  Nay,  if  you  are  happy  and  useful  among 
them,  never  think  of  deserting  them  on  account  of 
pecuniary  considerations,  as  long  as  you  can  avoid 
it.  Remain  with  them  ;  cherish  them  ;  and  rather 
beg  for  them,  than  of  them.  This  is  almost  the 
only  case  in  which  I  would  advise  a  minister  of  the 
gospel  to  resort,  for  a  part  of  his  time,  to  some  secu- 
lar employment,  which  might  supply  the  deficiency 
of  an  inadequate  salary,  and  enable  him  to  remain 
where  he  otherwise  could  not  live,  among  a  willing 
but  poor  people.  Stay  with  such  a  people  as  long 
as  God,  in  his  Providence,  renders  it  practicable ; 
be  willing  to  deny  and  exert  yourself  for  their  bene- 
fit ;  and  let  your  removal  from  them  to  accept  of  a 
better  support,  be  your  last  resort. 

14.  If  you  should  ever  be  compelled  to  resort  to 
any  secular  employment,  for  the  purpose  of  supply- 
ing the  deficiency  of  a  small  salary,  let  it  be  ak 

EMPLOYMENT  AS  MUCH  AS  POSSIBLE  IN  HARMONY 
WITH    THE    MINISTERIAL    CHARACTER.       There    haVC 

been  clergymen,  who,  finding  their  salaries  altogeth- 
er inadequate  to  the  decent  support  of  their  famihes, 
even  in  the  most  economical  manner,  and  resolving  to 
devote  a  part  of  their  time  to  some  employment,thc 


LETTERS  ON  CLERICAL  MANNERS.      389 

product  of  which  should  supply  the  deficiency  in 
their  official  income,  have  made  a  choice  of  employ- 
ment truly  unhappy.  Some  have  been  either  act- 
ing or  dormant  partners  in  distilleries.  Others  have 
engaged  in  large  mercantile  business.  A  third  class,  in 
manufactories.  And  a  fourth  in  speculating  on  notes, 
bonds,  or  some  other  species  of  property.  And  the 
history  of  these  pursuifs  has  generally  been,  that, 
while  a  few  have  succeeded,  grown  rich,  and  become 
completely  secularized  ;  the  majority  have  been  de- 
ceived, ensnared,  and  plunged  into  bankruptcy,  and 
perhaps  a  total  wreck  of  christian  and  ministerial 
character.  Of  the  whole  number  who  take  this 
course,  I  suspect,  a  very  small  portion,  iudeed,  at> 
tain  their  professed  object  with  comfort,  and  reputa- 
tion. 

Against  all  such  plans  and  employments,  therefore, 
I  would  warn  you.  If  your  object  should  honestly 
be,  what  is  commonly,  in  such  cases,  professed,  viz. 
not  by  any  means  to  grow  rich  ;  but  merely  to  make 
such  a  moderate  addition  to  your  scanty  income,  as 
may  enable  you  barely  to  support  your  family  with 
comfort ;  then  choose,  as  an  auxiliary,  some  employ- 
ment, which  will  interfere  as  little  as  possible  witli 
your  ministry ;  which  will  tend  as  little  as  may  be  to 
impart  a  worldly  influence  to  your  mind  ;  and  which 
may  coincide,  in  a  considerable  de^iree,  with  your 
ministerial  duties.  Such  an  employment  is  the  edu- 
cation of  youth.  Such  an  employment,  also,  is  the 
editing  and  sale  o(  pious  books.  These  objects  of 
attention  are  so  far  from  being  hostile  to  moral  and 


390"  LETTERS    ON    CLERICAL    MAXNERS. 

even  evangelical  duty,  that  they  fall  in  with  it  entire- 
ly, and  may  be  rendered  essentially  subservient  to 
the  great  end  of  all  ministerial  labour.  They  have* 
also,  this  further  advantage,  that  the  gains  which  they 
yield  are  commonly  small  and  regular,  and  are,  of 
course,  not  so  apt  to  betray  the  mind  into  a  deeply 
secular  spirit.  Next  to  the  employments  which 
I  have  mentioned,  perhaps'that  of  conducting  a  small 
and  compact  farm  may  fall  in  more  happily 
than  most  others  with  the  duties  of  the  sacred  of- 
fice. 

15.  If  you  should  be  enabled  to  lay  up  any  por- 
tion of  property,  for  the    comfort  of  your  family, 

NEVER  ALLOW  IT  TO  ENGROSS  YOUR  THOUGHTS. 
OR  TO  BE  THE  FREQUEx\'T  SUBJECT  OF  YOUR  CON- 
VERSATION IN  COMPANY.  He  who  has  commenced, 
on  ever  so  small  a  scale,  the  work  of  accumulating 
property,  and  who  has  occasion,  from  time  to  time, 
to  invest  his  savings  in  some  productive  manner,  is 
often  tempted  to  converse  on  the  subject  with  undue 
frequency  and  solicitude,  when  he  falls  in  company 
with  those  who  are  considered  as  well  versed  in  fi- 
nancial concerns.  And  in  a  country  of  active  com- 
mercial character,  he  will  meet  with  such  company 
so  frequently,  that  he  will  be  tempted  almost  every 
day  to  converse  on  the  subject.  Thus  his  own  mind 
will  be  apt  to  become  more  and  more  occupied  and 
ensnared  with  secular  concerns,  and  he  will  betray 
the  unhappy  fact  to  those  around  him,  to  the  dishon- 
our of  his  holy  vocation. 
Do  not  allow  yourself,  then,  in  company,  to  talk 


LETTERS  ON  CLERICAL  MANNERS.      391 

frequently  or  freely  on  the  price  of  stocks — the  rise, 
fall,  and  prospects  of  monied  institutions — the 
most  popular  and  eligible  investments^  &c.  &;c.  If 
any  thing  on  these  subjects  worthy  of  notice  be  utter- 
ed in  your  presence,  you  nnay  quietly  listen  to  it, 
without  entering  deeply  into  the  conversation  as  a 
matter  of  personal  interest.  If  you  need  information 
to  enable  you  to  act,  seek  it  privately  from  those  who 
are  most  competent  to  inform  you,  and  most  worthy 
of  your  confidence.  But  do  not  exhibit  yourself  as 
the  zealous  devotee  of  such  things.  Few  habits,  not 
openly  criminal,  are  more  revolting,  than  to  hear  k 
minister  of  the  gospel,  in  mixed  companies,  talking 
like  a  bank  director,  or  stockjobber.  It  ought  to  be 
one  of  the  great  objects  of  his  life  to  turn  off  the 
minds  of  men  from  inordinate  attention  to  these  tran- 
sient possessions,  and  to  endeavour  to  fasten  them  on 
higher  and  better  treasures. 

16.  If  you  should  possess  any  property,  guard 
against  investing  it  in  such  a  manner  as  will  be  like- 
ly to  IMPLICATE  YOU  IN  FREQUENT  LITIGATION, 
AND  COMPEL  YOU  FREQUENTLY  TO  RESORT  TO  LE- 
GAL COERCION.  This  is  highly  undesirable  to  any 
man  ;  but  to  a  minister  of  the  gospel,  it  is  absolutely 
ruinous  on  the  score  of  reputation.  It  is  the  practice 
of  many  to  invest  their  property  in  notes,  in  bonds, 
and  mortgages,  and  in  various  forms  of  private  secu- 
rity. This  plan  may  answer  very  well  for  him  whose 
disposition  and  character  permit  him  frequently  to 
contend,  and  to  resort  to  legal  measures ;  but  is  by 
no  means  suitable  for  one  who  can  hardly  take  the 


392  LETTERS    ON    CLERICAL    MANNERS. 

proper  steps,  in  the  plainest  case,  to  obtain  his  just 
due,  without  subjecting  himself  to  invidious  rennark, 
and  from  no  quarter  more  commonly  or  severelj 
than  from  those  worldly  men,  who  are  themselves, 
every  day,  plunged  and  steeped  in  such  proceedings. 
Men  in  other  stations,  of  the  best  character,  may  sue 
their  debtors,  may  foreclose  mortgages,  and  get  what 
is  rightly  their  own,  without  injury  to  their  reputa- 
tion. But  a  clergyman  cannot.  He  is  expected  to 
bear  with  endless  delays  ;  to  forgive  debts,  where  it  is 
not  entirely  convenient  to  pay  them  ;  and  to  surren- 
der claims  where  the  richest  man  in  the  land  would 
not  be  expected  to  do  it.  On  all  these  accounts, 
and  others  which  might  be  mentioned,  be  not  fond 
of  investing  property  in  any  kind  of  private  securities, 
unless  they  of  a  pecuHarly  firm  and  eligible  kind. 
Publick  stocks,  of  the  most  secure  character,  are 
greatly  preferable  ;  because  the  interest  on  them  is 
paid  the  moment  it  is  due,  without  dunning  or  trou- 
ble ;  because  they  may  be  turned  into  cash  at  any 
hour;  and  because  neither  holding  nor  selling  them 
is  likely  to  drag  their  owner  before  the  publick  view 
in  a  commerical  attitude.  For  the  same  reason,  be 
not  fond  of  investing  property  in  small  tenements,  the 
renting  of  which  will  be  apt  to  bring  you  in  constant 
colhsion  with  tenants,  who,  more  than  half  the  time, 
will  be  unable  or  unwilling  to  pay  you  your  rent. 
Such  property,  you  will  always  find  to  give  you 
much  trouble,  and  yield  you  little  profit.  Whereas 
the  true  policy  of  every  minister  of  the  gospel  is,  to 
place  all  his  property,  as  far  as  practicable,  in  such 


LETTERS    ON    CLERICAL    BANNERS.  393 

a  situation,  as  will  give  him  the  least  possible  trouble, 
or  even  care,  occupy  as  little  as  niay  be  of  his  time, 
and  render  his  moderate  profits  regular  and  certain. 
17.  Finally;  guard  with  the  utmost  vigi- 
lance, AGAINST  THE  ENCuOACHMENTS  OF  A  GRASP- 
ING, MERCENARY  SPIRIT.  That  a  minister  should 
desire  to  be  furnished  with  a  decent  and  comfortable 
support  for  his  beloved  family  ;  that  he  should  even 
be  desirous,  if  it  be  the  will  of  God,  to  leave  some- 
thing behind  him  to  preserve  a  widow  and  children 
from  utter  beggary,  every  man  who  has  a  family,  and 
domestick  feelings,  will  think  both  natural  and  rea- 
sonable. But  the  moment  one  who  occupies  the  sa- 
bred office  goes  beyond  this  moderate  and  reasonable 
wish  ;  the  moment  a  strong  and  governing  desire  of 
accumulating  property  takes  possession  of  his  mind, 
he  may  bid  adieu  to  all  steady  ministerial  zeal,  to  all 
exemplary  devotedness  to  his  Master's  work  Preach 
with  orthodoxy,  and  some  degree  of  animation,  he 
may  ;  visit  his  parishioners,  to  a  certain  extent,  he 
may  ;  but  a  devoted  labourer  in  the  vineyard  ;  a  la- 
bourer who  has  one  great  object  in  view, — the  exten- 
sion and  glory  of  his  Master's  kingdom,  and  who 
makes  all  his  pursuits  subservient  to  that  object,  he 
will  not  be.  Few  things,  rely  upon  it,  are  more  hos- 
tile to  the  spirit  of  piety,  and  of  ministerial  fidelity, 
than  a  spirit  of  worldly  acquisition.  It  is  just  as  true 
of  a  minister  as  of  any  other  professing  christian, — 
that  "no  man  can  serve  two  masters."  If  you  should 
ever  be  so  unhappy  and  criminal,  as  to  give  yourself 
op  to  the  spirit  of  worldly  gain,  it  will  eat  out  the 


394  LETTERS    ON    CLERICAL   BANNERS. 

vitals  of  your  comfort,  your  zeal  and  your  usefulness. 
It  will  exhibit  you,  like  Samson  to  the  Philistines, 
a  poor,  enervated,  despoiled  object.  It  is  just  as  im^ 
possible  for  a  man  to  be  a  great  accumulator  of  pro- 
perty, and  at  the  same  time  a  faithful,  devoted  min- 
ister of  Christ,  as  it  is  to  establish  a  fellowship  be^ 
t.ween  light  and  darkness,  Christ  and  Beliah 


I.1STTER    XIV 


IKT  ALL  TULYGS  BE  DOJ^E  DECEJ^TLY  AXD  IJ\r  ORDER. 

1  Cor.  xiv.  40. 


-•  MISCELLANEOUS   COUNSELS. 


My  dear  young  Friend, 

I  CANNOT  consent  to  close  this  manual,  althougji. 
perhaps,  already  too  much  protracted,  without  call- 
ing your  attention  to  a  few  counsels  not  included  in 
any  of  the  foregoing  Letters.  In  stating  these,  I  shall 
not  be  studious  of  any  regular  order. 

1.  Be  careful  to  form  the  habit  of  scrupu- 
lous   PUNCTUALITY     TO     ALL      YOUR    ENGAGEMENTS, 

The  importance  of  this  habit  is  very  great,  as  already 
mentioned,  even  while  you  are  a  student  in  the 
Seminary.  But  if  you  should  live  to  be  clothed  with 
the  sacred  office,  and  to  form  the  numerous  and  di- 
versified  engagements  which  will  be  likely  to  mark 
every  week,  if  not  every  day,  of  your  subsequent 
course,  you  will  see,  if  I  mistake  not,  a  degree  of  im- 
portance attached  to  this  matter,  not  easily  calculat- 
ed. When  you  have  appointed  a  day  and  an  hour 
for  the  performance  of  any  duty,  or  to  meet  other 
persons  on  business,  you  have  made  a  contract. 
which  cannot  be  innocently  broken,  unless  the  Fro- 


396  LETTEBS    ON    CLERICAL    MANNERS. 

vidence  of  God  render  the  fulfilment  of  it  impossible. 
Every  time  you  are  guilty  of  such  violation,  you  may 
greatly  incommode,  and  even  seriously  injure,  one  or 
more  individual,  and  sometimes  many  individuals, 
hy  compelling  them  to  waste  precious  time  in  wait- 
ing for  you.  What  right  have  you  to  do  this  ?  Is  it 
not  as  real  a  robbery  as  taking  a  purse  ?  How  men 
professing  to  be  conscientious,  and  to  have  any  just 
estimate  of  the  value  of  time,  can  allow  themselves  to 
act  thus,  I  have  always  been  at  a  loss  to  understand. 
There  is  a  degree  of  complicated  mischief  about  it, 
which,  whatever  others  may  do,  clergymen  ought 
certainly  to  abhor.  Let  me  entreat  you  whether 
you  regard  your  duty  or  your  reputation;  your  own 
time,  or  the.time  of  others  ;^ — to  be  rigorously  punctual 
to  every  appointment.  Establish  a  character  for 
punctuahty,  and  you  will  find  the  great  advantage  of 
it,  not  only  in  obtaining  the  confidence  of  those  with 
whom  you  may  be  called  to  transact  business;  but 
also  in  promoting  a  similar  habit  among  those  with 
whom  you  associate.  Like  other  virtues,  the  one  of 
which  I  speak  propagates  itself;  and  is,  eminently, 
its  own  reward. 

2.    You  will   never  accomplish  much   either  in 
study  or  in    action,    without  a  large  share  or 

WHAT    may     be    called    DECISION    OF     CHARACTER. 

By  this  quality,  I  mean,  that  bold,  steady,  persever- 
ing firmness  of  purpose,  and  ardour  of  pursuit,  which 
stand  opposed  to  timidity,  indolence  and  irresolution: 
— that  unwavering  confidence  in  the  rectitude  and 
importance  of  his  pursuit,  which  prompts  a  man  to 


LETTERS    ON   CLERICAL   MANNERS,  397 

press  forward  in  it,  with  a  constancy  which  nothing 
can  shake;  with  a  courage,  which  nothing  can  in- 
timidate ;  and  with  a  resolution  which  nothing  can 
divert.  This  decision  of  character  appeared,  pre- 
eminently, in  Luther,  in  Calvin^  in  Wesley^  in 
Whitejield,  in  Howard^  and  in  many  other  men, 
whose  history  and  services  will  readily  occur  to  your 
recollection.  It  led  them  to  surmount  opposition,  to 
brave  dangers,  to  undergo  the  most  indefatigable 
labour,  to  fulfil  their  engagements  with  punctuality, 
whatever  it  might  cost  them  to  do  so,  and  to  pursue 
the  object  which  conscience  told  them  was  right, 
without  hesitation,  and  without  turning  to  the  right 
hand  or  the  left,  until  it  was  attained. 

There  is  nothing  which  a  public  man  needs  more 
than  a  large  portion  of  this  spirit,  impelled  and  re- 
gulated by  Christian  principle.  If  he  be  feeble  and 
wavering  in  his  purposes  ;  inconstant  in  his  pursuits  ; 
easily  discouraged,  and  diverted  from  them  ;  and 
frequently  persuaded  to  abandon  undertakings  ar- 
dently begun,  and  to  enter  on  others,  only  to  aban- 
don them  in  like  manner ; — he  may  make  many  pro- 
mises, and  much  noise ;  but  he  will  do  little.  He 
will  never  be  ready  for  his  work  ;  never  punctual 
to  his  appointments;  never  either  energetick  or  per- 
severing in  his  exertions.  If  you  are  willing  to  be 
such  a  man,  I  altogether  mistake  your  character. 
Yet  thousands  really  bear  this  stamp,  who  are  far 
from  intending  it.  If  y©u  wish  to  do  much  for  the 
church,  and  for  your  generation,  be  not  obstinate, 
but  be  firm;  be  not  blustering,  but  systematick,  de« 
S  L 


398  LETTERS  ON  CLERICAL   MANNERS. 

cisive,  and  persevering.  Be  deliberate  and  wise  in 
resolving;  but  determined,  unyielding,  and  indefati- 
gable in  execution.  Do  not  let  every  idle  individual, 
or  every  trivial  difficulty,  break  in  upon  your  plans, 
or  fritter  away  your  time.  Remember  that  your 
time  is  short ;  your  work  great ;  the  necessities  of 
immortal  souls  unspeakably  urgent ;  and  the  judg- 
ment seat  of  Christ  immediately  in  prospect.  If  you 
really  act  in  the  spirit  of  these  considerations,  you 
will  accomplish  more  in  a  month,  than  a  timid, 
pliant,  irresolute,  procrastinating  man,  howe-ver 
pious,  in  six  months,  or  a  year. 

3.  Maintain  the  constant  and  persevering 
HABIT  OF  EARLY  RISING.  This  habit  is  conducive, 
to  an  extent  which  few  appear  to  be  aware  of,  to  the 
health  and  activity,  both  of  the  body  and  of  the  mind. 
It  has  been  often  observed,  that  those  who  were  re- 
markable for  health  and  long  life,  have  been  almost 
always  early  risers.  A  disposition  to  lie  long  in  bed 
in  the  morning,  is  at  once,  a  symptom  and  a  cause, 
of  feeble  digestion,  of  nervous  debility,  and  of  gene- 
ral languor.  Whereas  early  rising  is  commonly  con- 
nected with  sound  sleep  ;  v/ith  elasticity  of  body  and 
mind  j  and  with  habits  of  activity,  which  are  greatly 
conducive  both  to  health  and  comfort.  Nor  is  this 
practice  less  conducive  to  success  in  mental  im- 
provement. It  not  only  tends  to  give  a  daily  spring 
to  the  mind,  but  also  to  make  a  very  important  ad- 
dition to  your  studying  hours.  He  who  is  called  to 
eng  age  in  much  mental  exertion,  and  is,  at  the  same 
time,  liable  to  many  interruptions,  ought  to  make  a 


LETTERS    ON    CLERICAL    MANNERS.  399 

point  of  securing  several  hours,  of  unbroken  study, 
before  he  will  be  liable  to  the  calls  of  the  earliest 
visitant.  Often  as  the  following  remark  of  Dr.  Dod- 
dridge has  been  repeated,  1  cannot  forbear  once 
more  to  transcribe  it.  "  1  will  here  record,"  says 
he,  "  the  observation  which  I  have  found  of  great 
use  to  myself,  to  which  I  may  say,  that  the  produc- 
tion of  this  work,  and  most  of  my  other  writings  is 
owing ;  viz.  that  the  difference  between  rising  at 
five  and  at  seven  of  the  clock  in  the  morning,  for  a 
space  of  forty  years,  supposing  a  man  to  go  to  bed  at 
the  same  hour  at  night,  is  nearly  equivalent  to  the 
addition  of  ten  years  to  a  man's  life,  of  which  (sup- 
posing the  two  hours  in  question  to  be  spent)  eight 
hours  every  day  should  be  employed  in  study  and 
devotion."  Let  me  exhort  you,  therefore,  at  all  sea- 
sons of  the  year,'  to  rise  early ;  in  winter  before  it 
is  light,  and  in  summer  with  the  sun.  In  cold  wea- 
ther, kindle  your  own  fire  ;  and  in  warm,  walk  out, 
work  in  your  garden ;  or  in  some  other  situation, 
exercise  your  limbs,  and  inhale  the  fresh  air.  Before 
you  take  your  breakfast,  you  ought  always  to  have 
spent,  according  to  the  season  of  the  year,  from  one 
to  two  hours  in  devotion,  in  study,  and  in  some  ac- 
tive recreation  in  the  open  air. 

You  may  rely  upon  it,  that  a  faithful  adherence 
to  this  course,  though  at  first  irksome,  will  be  in  the 
end  pleasant ;  will  be  conducive  to  good  health,  and 
good  spirits ;  and  will  enable  you  to  accompHsh  far 
more  of  your  appropriate  work  than  can  ever  be  ac- 
complished by  the  tardy  riser,  who  finds  himself,  the 


400  LETTERS   ON   CLERICAL    MANNERS. 

whole  day,  running  and  struggling,  in  vain,  to  re- 
gain the  lost  hours  of  the  morning.  But  if  you 
would  be  an  early  riser,  you  must  retire  early  to  bed. 
These  are  correlative  duties  which  cannot  be  sepa- 
rated. 

4.  Few  young  men  that  I  have  ever  seen,  appear- 
ed to  me  to  have  any  just  impression  either  of  the 

IMP0RTA1> -E,  OR  OF  THE  PROPER  METHODS,  OF  PRE- 
SERVING THEIR  HEALTH.  My  Original  intention  was 
to  devote  a  whole  Letter  to  this  subject :  but  finding 
the  volume  unexpectedly  to  swell  under  my  hands, 
and  becoming  more  conscious,  the  longer  1  reflected 
on  the  subject,  of  my  inabihty  to  do  justice  to  it  in 
detail,  I  shall  content  myself  with  a  few  short  para- 
graphs. 

There  are  two  extremes  to  which  young  men  ar^ 
prone  in  relation  to  this  matter.  The  one  is,  to  im 
agine  that  the  citadel  of  their  health  is  impregnable. 
That  no  care  of  it  is  necessary.  That  they  may  take 
any  liberties  with  it,  and  lay  any  burdens  upon  it 
that  they  pleasCc  The  other  is,  to  suppose  that  great 
scrupulousness  of  attention  to  this  subject  is  desira- 
ble. That  a  multitude  of  rigid  cautions  ;  a  frequent 
resort  to  medicine  ;  guarding  against  all  exposure 
to  cold  and  damp  weather  ;  much  wrapping  up,  &;c. 
&;c.,  are  indispensable.  He  who  acts  upon  either  of 
these  plans,  will  probably  soon  render  himself  a  mis- 
erable invalid  for  life,  if  he  do  not  speedily  cut  short 
his  days.  Scarcely  any  young  man,  who  has  led  an 
active  life,  in  the  pure  air  of  the  country,  and  who 
commences  study   with  firm  and  florid  health,  is 


LETTERS   ON   CLERICAL   MANNERS.  401 

aware  of  the  danger  which  he  encounters  in  sitting 
down  to  close  intellectual  application.  I  have 
known  a  constitution  the  most  robust,  in  six  or  twelve- 
months after  this  change  of  habit  was  commenced., 
suddenly  give  way,  and  become  utterly  broken  and 
prostrated.  The  truth  is,  the  more  active  the  pre> 
vious  habits,  and  the  more  vigorous  the  frame  of  a 
youthful  individual,  when  he  sits  down  to  close  stu- 
dy ;  the  greater  need  is  there,  in  many  cases,  for 
the  exercise  of  caution,  and  for  keeping  up,  at  least 
for  a  time,  a  set  of  rules,  as  to  exercise,  nearly  ap- 
proximating to  his  former  habits.  The  transition 
from  an  active  to  a  sedentary  life,  must  he  made  ve- 
ry gradually,  if  you  would  make  it  safely. 

My  counsel  in  reference  to  health  shall  all  be  sum- 
med up  in  four  advices,  viz.  Be  strictly  temper- 
ate with  regard  to  aliment.  Take  every  day  a  large 
portion  q{ gentle  exercise.  Carefully  guard  against 
all  intestinal  constipation.  And  always  avoid 
too  much  wai^mth.,  both  in  your  clothing,  and  your 
apartment,  quite  as  vigilantly  as  you  would  too 
much  cold.    • 

With  regard  to  the  Jirst ;  remember  that  temper- 
ance in  you,  is  a  very  different  thing  from  temper- 
ance in  a  day-labourer.  The  latter  may,  in  common, 
safely,  and  even  profitably,  take  two  or  three  times 
the  amount  of  aliment,  that  can  be  ventured  upon  by 
a  sedentary  man.  If  a  given  portion  of  sohd  food 
oppress  you,  gradually  diminish  the  quantity,  care- 
fully watching  the  effect,  until  you  ascertain  the 
quantity  which  is  best  suited  to  your  constitution-, 
2  L  2 


402  LETTERS    ON   CLERICAL   MANNERS- 

and  after  which  you  feel  most  strong,  active,  and 
comfortable,  both  in  body  and  mind.  It  is  plain  that 
this  matter  can  be  regulated  only  by  the  individual 
himself;  and  that  it  requires  daily  watchfulness  and 
resolution.  Many  students,  I  have  no  doubt,  bring 
themselves  to  a  premature  grave,  by  over-eating,  as 
effectually  as  others  by  intemperate  drinking.  The 
effects  of  the  former  species  of  excess,  are  not  quite 
so  manifest,  or  quite  so  disreputable,  as  those  of  the 
latter,  but,  in  a  multitude  of  cases,  they  are  no  less 
fatal.  He  who  is  so  infatuated  as  to  persist  in  taking 
but  little  exercise,  ought  certainly  to  eat  but  httle. 
And  he  who  takes  no  exercise,  ought  often  to 
ask  himself,  how  far  that  inspired  Scripture  applies 
to  his  case — ''If  any  man  will  not  work,  neither 
shall  he  eat."  The  answer  of  Sir  Charles  Scarbo- 
roughs  physician  to  Charles  II,  to  one  of  the  cour- 
tiers of  thatmonarch,  is  worthy  of  being  remem  bered 
— "  You  must  eat  less,  or  take  more  exercise,  or 
take  physick,  or  be  sick."  Recollect,  too,  that 
our  religion  enjoins  not  only  ^9?'«yer,  but y«5/m^  al- 
so. By  this  I  understand  to  be  meant,  not  metaphor- 
ical or  moral  abstinence,  as  some  have  strangely 
imagined,  but  literal  abstinence,  from  food.  How^ 
often  this  abstinence  should  take  place,  I  presume 
not  to  say.  Let  everj^  one  judge  for  himself  But 
that  the  y're^'tte??/  recurrence  of  it  would  be  as  fa- 
vourable to  the  health  and  enjoyment  of  a  student, 
as  to  his  spiritual  benefit,  I  have  not  the  smallest 
doubt. 

The  importance  of  taknig  a  large  portion  of  gen- 
tle exercise  every  day,  can  scarcely  be  overrated' 


LETTERS   ON  CLERICAL   MANNERS.  40^ 

Every  student  who  wishes  to  preserve  good  health 
and  spirits  ought  to  be  moving  about  in  the  open  air 
from  three  to  four  hours  daily.  You  may  live  with 
less,  and,  perhaps,  enjoy  tolerable  health.  But  if 
you  wish  fully  to  possess  the  'inens  sana  in  corpo- 
re  sano^  of  which  the  Latin  Poet  speaks,  rely  upon  it, 
with  most  students,  less  will  not  answer.  Your  ex- 
ercise ought  to  be  gentle.  Some  students,  after  ex- 
hausting  themselves  by  a  protracted  season  of  severe 
study,  start  from  their  seats,  issue  forth,  and  engage 
in  some  violent  exercise,  which  throws  them  into  a 
profuse  perspiration,  from  which  they  can  scarcely 
emerge  with  impunity.  In  many  cases,  they  had 
much  better  have  continued  to  sit  still.  Your  exer- 
cise ought  to  bear  a  strict  proportion  to  your  constitu- 
tion and  your  habits.  Gentle  exercise  diffused  through 
four  hours,  is  much  better  adapted  to  a  sedentary 
man  than  a  concentration  of  the  same  amount  of  mo- 
tion within  the  space  of  one  hour.  It  is  also  wor- 
thy of  remark,  that  exercise  taken  either  immediate- 
ly before  or  immediately  after  eating,  is  both  less 
comfortable,  and  less  valuable,  than  if  at  least  an 
hour  of  rest  intervene.  No  prudent  traveller  will 
feed  his  horse  immediately  after  his  arrival  at  the 
place  of  baiting,  or,  if  he  can  avoid  it,  put  him  on 
the  road  again  as  soon  as  he  has  swallowed  his  food. 
The  same  principle  applies  to  all  animal  nature. 

My  third  advice,  has  a  respect  to  intestinal  con- 
stipation. There  can  be  no  health,  where  this  is 
suffered  long  to  continue.  And  yet  it  is  a  point  to 
which  few  inexperienced  students  are  as  attentive  as 


404  LETTERS   ON   CLERICAL   SIANNERS. 

Ihey  ought  to  be.  They  either  neglect  it,  until  a  de- 
cisive indisposition  convinces  them  of  their  folly;  of 
they  are  very  frequently  endeavouring  to  remove  it 
by  the  use  of  medicine.  Both  methods  of  treating 
the  difficulty  are  miserably  ill-judged.  Medicine 
ought  to  be  the  last  resort ;  and  is  seldom  necessary 
unless  where  there  has  been  great  mismanagement. 
Exercise,  abstemiousness,  and  the  judicious  use  of 
mild,  dietetical  aperients,  form  the  system  which  a 
little  experience  will  show  you  to  be  the  best. 

The  temperature  of  your  room,  and  of  your  body, 
is  the  last  point  in  reference  to  health  to  which  I 
shall  request  your  attention.  A  student,  whose  ro- 
bustness is  almost  always  in  some  degree  impaired  by 
sedentary  habits,  ought  never  to  allow  himself,  if  he 
Can  avoid  it,  to  be  in  the  least  degree  chilly^  when 
he  is  sitting  still.  But  it  is  quite  as  unfriendly  to 
health  to  allow  himself  to  be  over  heated^  either  by 
the  atmosphere  of  a  room  excessively  warmed,  or  by 
too  great  a  load  of  clothing.  Every  thing  of  this 
kind  ought  to  be  carefully  avoided.  So  far  as  ex- 
perience, in  relation  to  my  own  case,  goes,  I  am  con- 
strained to  say,  that  excessive  heat  has  been  quite  as 
often,  to  me,  the  source  of  disease,  as  excessive  cold. 
He  who  is  about  to  take  a  long  walk,  in  the  course 
of  which,  he  has  an  opportunity  of  keeping  himself 
warm  by  constant,  vigorous  motion,  ought  just  as 
carefully  to  avoid  covering  himself  with  an  overcoat, 
while  his  walk  continues,  as  he  ought  to  be  to  avoid 
sitting  in  a  cold  place,  or  in  a  draft  gf  air,  at  the  end 
of  his  walk,  without  it. 


LETTERS  ON  CLERICAL  MANNERS.      405 

You  will  gather  from  the  foregoing  remarks,  that 
my  plan  for  preserving  health,  is  by  no  means  that  of 
tampering  with  medicines,  which  is  much  more  like- 
ly to  make  a  valetudinarian,  than  a  man  of  good 
health ;  but  that  of  employing  wisely  and  vigilantly 
the  art  oi prevention.  You  have  now,  through  Di- 
vine favour,  a  good  constitution.  Try  to  keep  it,  by 
avoiding  every  species  of  excess^  and  by  watching 
every  approach  of  derangement ;  and,  under  the 
blessing  of  God,  all  will  be  well. 

5.   Never   permit  yourself  to  get  into  a  whining, 

COMPLAINING      HABIT,     WHEN      SPEAKING      OF     YOUR 

BODILY  HEALTH.'  You  and  I  know  some  clergymen^ 
both  young  and  old,  who  have,  by  some  means,  got- 
ten into  the  unhappy  practice,  whenever  they  are 
asked,  by  an  acquaintance,  how  they  do,  of  playing 
the  invalid,  in, rather  a  ludicrous  manner  ;  continu- 
ally complaining  of  more  or  less  indisposition  ;  giv- 
ing a  minute  history  of  their  little  ailments  and  dif- 
ficulties ;  and  really  appearing  to  take  a  kind  of 
comfort  from  being  listened  to  in  a  narrative  of  their 
own  sufferings.  Carefully  guard  against  this  habit. 
It  is  disgusting  in  itself;  troublesome,  and  in  no  re- 
spect attractive,  to  your  friends  ;  calculated  to  gain 
strength  by  indulgence  ;  and,  in  the  end,  to  increase 
the  real  evils,  and  to  turn  into  real,  the  imaginary 
evils  of  which  it  complains.  Unless  there  be  some* 
thing  very  peculiar  in  the  state  of  your  health,  an- 
swer all  inquiries  respecting  it  in  a  single  sentence. 
Trouble  nobody  but  your  physician  with  a  minute 
detail  of  your  pains,  and  aches,  and  infirmities  ;  not 


406  LETTERS    ON    CLERICAL    MANNERS. 

merely  because  it  is,  to  many,  a  revolting  story ;  but 
because,  the  influence  of  this  habit  on  your  own 
mind,  when  indulged  to  a  considerable  extent,  can- 
not fail  of  being  unhappy.  Talking  much  about 
your  complaints,  will  lead  you  to  think  much  of 
them  ;  and  thinking  much  of  them,  will  almost  in- 
fallibly lead  to  an  increase  of  their  power,  whether 
real  or  imaginary  ;  and  finally  make  you  a  misera- 
ble bundle  of  complaints  and  infirmities.  Culti- 
vate a  cheerful  temper,  and  it  will  diffuse  a  happy 
influence  over  your  whole  character. 

6.  Wherever  you  reside,  endeavour  always  to  ac- 
quire and  maintain  an  influence  with  young 
MEN.  They  are  the  hope  of  the  church  and  of  the 
state ;  and  he  who  becomes  instrumental  in  imbuing 
their  minds  with  sentiments  of  wisdom,  virtue  and 
piety,  is  one  of  the  greatest  benefactors  of  his  spe- 
cies. They  are,  therefore,  worthy  of  your  special 
and  unwearied  attention.  Take  every  opportunity 
of  becoming  acquainted  with  them,  and  of  convers- 
ing with  them  in  a  kind  and  friendly  manner.  Ma- 
nifest an  interest  in  their  education-,  in  their  studies, 
and  in  all  their  temporal  as  well  as  spiritual  con- 
cerns. Endeavour  to  have  the  serious  and  pious  of 
their  number  united  in  associations  of  a  moral  and 
religious  character ;  that  they  may  know  one  ano- 
ther ;  that  they  may  be  prepared  to  act  together : 
and  that  they  may  be  as  generally  as  possible  brought 
under  a  good  influence,  and  inured  to  good  habits. 
Often  meet  and  advise  with  them,  and  endeavour  to 
ongage  them  in  laudable  and  useful  employments.. 


LETTERS   ON   CLERICAL   MANNERS.  407 

Encourage  them  to  visit  you  ;  and  exert  yourself  to 
render  their  visits  pleasant  as  well  as  profitable. 
Distinctly  address  them  now  and  then,  in  a  respect- 
ful and  affectionate  manner,  in  your  publick  dis- 
courses. Make  them  the  frequent  objects  of  pub- 
lick  prayer,  especially  in  prayer-meetings.  In  short, 
employ  every  christian  method  of  attaching  them 
to  your  person  and  ministry,  and  of  inducing  them 
to  take  an  early  interest  in  the  affairs  of  the  church. 
If  you  should  live  in  a  city,  or  populous  town,  keep 
a  watchful  eye  on  all  young  men  who  may  remove 
to  the  place  of  your  residence.  Take  the  earliest 
opportunity  of  visiting  them  ;  of  gaining  their  confi- 
dence, and  bringing  them  within  the  sphere,  and  un- 
der the  power  of  ha: 'owed  principles.  I  know  of 
no  way  in  which  an  ambassador  of  Christ  will  be 
more  likely  to  establish  a  beneficial  influence,  and  to 
promote  the  extension  of  the  Redeemer's  kingdom, 
than  by  wisely  and  faithfully  acting  in  conformity 
with  this  advice. 

7.   When  you  are  introduced  into  the  ministry 
endeavour  always,  throughout  fife,  to  be  on  good 

TERMS     WITH      YOUR      CLERICAL      BRETHREN.        YoU 

have  known  lawyers  and  physicians  who  were  al- 
ways on  hostile  terms  with  their  professional  brethren. 
Like  Ishmael^  of  old,  their  hands  were  against  every 
one,  and  every  one's  hands  against  them.  But  I  pre- 
sume you  never  knew  such  an  individual  who  was 
truly  respectable.  The  incessant  disposition  to  vi- 
tuperate and  repel  which  this  character  supposes, 
must  be  considered  as  indicating  either  a  want  of 


408  LETTERS   ON   CLERICAL   MANNERS. 

principle,  or  an  obliquity  of  temper,  of  the  most  un- 
happy kind.  Show  me  a  lawyer  or  physician  who 
is  for  ever  abusing  his  brethren,  and  I  will  show  you  a 
man  unworthy  of  their  love  or  confidence.  The  same 
rule  applies,  perhaps  with  peculiar  force,  to  ministers 
of  the  gospel.  The  religion  which  they  teach  is  a 
system  of  love ;  and  the  great  cause  which  they  pro- 
fess to  seek,  is  the  cause  of  order,  union,  happiness, 
and  salvation,  temporal  and  eternal.  Ministers, 
therefore,  not  only  ought  to  be  united,  in  affection ; 
but  just  so  far  as  they  are  honest,  and  in  earnes,  in 
the  great  cause  which  they  profess  to  love,  they 
loillhe  so  united.  As  you  value  your  own  peace, 
comfort  and  usefulness  ;  and  as  you  wish  well  to  the 
peace,  and  edification  of  the  church,  cultivate  a  spi- 
rit of  christian  love,  and  affectionate  intercourse, 
with  all  who  bear  the  sacred  office,  and  especially 
with  those  of  our  own  church.  Visit  them  ;  hon- 
our them  ;  co-operate  with  them  ;  and  put  far  from 
3  ou  every  thing  which  trends  to  generate  coldness  or 
strife  among  them.  Your  own  happiness,  and  the 
advancement  of  the  Redeemer's  kingdom  are  more 
concerned  in  this  thing  than  you  are  probably 
aware. 

8.  Never  allow  yourself  to  be  a  politician. 
Never  attend  political  meetings  : — never  harangue 
in  political  companies  : — never  scribble  political  pa- 
ragraphs : — never  connect  yourself  with  political 
parties  : — nay,  do  not  indulge  in  much  political  con- 
versation, even  with  your  friends..  Ministers  of  the 
gospel,  and  those  who  are  preparing  for  the  minis- 


LETTERS  ON  CLERICAL  MANNERS.      409 

try,  have  infinitely  more  important  work  to  do.  And 
rely  upon  it,  that,  in  all  cases,  the  nnore  of  a  politi- 
cian you  are,  the  less  will  be  your  comfort  and  your 
usefulness' as  an  ambassador  of  Jesus  Christ. 

9.  Let  your  recreations  be  always  such  as 
Uecome  your  rROFESsioN.  That  clerical  men 
need  recreation  as  much  as  others,  and  in  some  re- 
spects more,  is  too  evident  to  be  denied.  Yet  I  need 
not  say,  that  many  of  those  amusements  which  are 
considered  as  innocent  by  worldly  people,  are  out  of 
the  question  for  you.  Happily  our  lot  is  cast  in  an 
age,  and  in  a  country,  in  which  pubhck  sentiment  as 
well  as  the  word  of  God  very  unequivocally  prohi- 
bits them.  There  is,  hov/ever,  an  ample  range  of 
choice  still  left  for  any  reasonable  man.  All  that 
become  a  grave  christian,  fall  within  this  range. 
It  will  readily  occur  to  you  that  the  active  discharge 
of  many  of  his  parochial  duties,  77iay  he  rendered 
by  a  pastor,  and,  if  zealously  engaged  in,  will  be- 
come, some  of  his  most  precious  recreations.  But 
more  than  this  will  be  necessary.  Riding  and 
ivalking^oi  course,  in  all  their  varieties,  belong  to 
the  admissible  class.  To  these  I  would  especially 
add  gardenings  as  one  of  the  most  rational,  delight- 
ful, and  profitable  of  the  whole  list.  Man  in  his 
first  and  most  perfect  state  was  placed  in  a  garden  ; 
a.id  in  proportion  as  men  imbibe  correct  sentiments 
and  cultivate  a  just  taste,  they  will  be  glad  to  get 
back  to  the  same  employment.  It  is  desirable  io 
every  student  to  have  some  recreation,  which  will 
not  only  be  salutary,  but  also  pleasant  and  attrac 
2   M 


410  LETTERS    ON    CLERICAL   MANNERS. 

live.  If  you  engage  with  a  moderate  and  well  re- 
gulated zeal  in  the  culture  of  vegetables  and  shrub- 
berry,  you  will  not  probably  find  them  to  draw  you 
away  from  your  books  a  single  hour  more  than  will 
be  useful  to  your  health.  And  if  you  desire  your 
gardenings  as  well  as  your  walking  and  riding  to 
be  doubly  agreeable,  as  w^ell  as  doubly  advanta- 
geous, try  to  gain  at  least  such  an  elementary 
knowledge  of  Botany  and  Mineralogy  as  will  give 
you  an  additional  interest  in  every  plant  you  culti- 
vate, and  in  every  fossil  on  which  you  tread. 

10.  Never  allow  yourself  to  be  in  a  hurry. 
Clergymen  who  are  active  and  faithful,  have  com- 
monly so  much  to  do,  that,  unless  they  are  ex- 
tremely diligent  and  orderly  in  their  affairs,  they  will 
often  be  painfully  hurried  ;  and  that  which  a  publick 
man  does  in  a  hurry,  is  commonly  ill  done.  Few 
men  were  ever  more  busy  than  the  late  Mr.  John 
Wesley;  yet  he  significantly  remarked,  that  ^'al- 
though often  in  haste,  he  was  never  in  a  hurry." 
The  distinction  was  a  just  one.  He  had  always  a 
number  of  engagements  on  hand,  and  was  obliged 
to  pass  rapidly  from  one  to  another.  But,  amidst 
them  all,  he  maintained  that  composure  of  mind, 
which  enabled  him  to  do  each  thoroughly  and  well. 
This  is  an  important  art.  Learn  it  as  speedily  as 
you  can.  To  do  so  completely,  you  must  have  Mr. 
Wesley's  order,  his  industry,  his  habitual  composure 
of  mind,  and  his  decision  of  character.  He  who  al- 
lows himself  in  lounging  and  laziness  at  one  time, 
must  necessarily  be  in  a  hurry  at  another.     And  he 


LETTERS    ON    CLERICAL    MANNERS. 

who  has  not  the  strictest  order  in  his  affairs,  must 
either  be  half  his  time  distracted  with  hurry,  orleave 
one  half  of  his  duty  undone. 

11.  Never  permit  yourself  to  be  concerned 
ABOUT  popularity.  Ncvcr  inquire,  nor  be  anxious 
to  hear  what  is  said  of  you.  Popularity  seldom  fails 
to  fly  from  him  who  inordinately  seeks  it;  and  is 
never  so  likely  to  be  attained  as  by  him  who  gives 
himself  no  concern  about  it.  You  have  reason  to  be 
thankful  that  your  lot  is  cast  in  a  country  in  which 
we  have  no  religious  establishment,  for  the  support 
of  ministers  independently,  or  in  spite,  of  publick 
opinion.  But  while  this  is  a  great  blessing,  it  be- 
comes, indirectly,  a  source  of  frequent  and  strong 
temptation.  The  temptation  is  that  of  deferring 
more  to  publick  sentiment,  to  popular  praise  and 
censure,  than  we  ought.  Be  habitually  on  your 
guard  against  this  temptation.  Your  business  is  to 
guide  publick  opinion,  not  to  let  it  guide  you.  Never 
let  your  course  be  prescribed  by  a  previous  calcu- 
lation whom  you  shall  please,  and  whom  displease. 
Manifest  no  desire  to  hear  either  the  praise  or  the 
blame  which  may  be  expressed  concerning  you.  On 
the  one  hand,  if  the  language  of  praise  be  addressed 
or  reported  to  you,  be  not  elated  by  it ;  for,  in  nine 
cases  out  of  ten,  there  is  much  insincerity,  or  much 
injudiciousness  and  folly  mingled  with  it.  On  the 
othei  hand,  if  you  become  the  object  of  censure,  let 
it  neither  depress  nor  irritate  you.  If  it  be  just, 
thankfully  profit  by  it,  and  if  it  be  unmerited,  still 
carry  it  to  the  throne  of  grace,  and  inquire  whether 


412  LETTERS    ON    CLERICAL    MANNERS. 

some  good  use  cannot  be  made  of  it.  Remember 
that  he  who  does  his  duty  faitlifuUj,  afTectionately, 
and  perseveringlj,  will  seldom  fail  of  obtaining  as 
much  popularity  as  he  ought  to  have  ;  and  that  all 
that  popularity  which  rests  upon  any  other  basis,  is 
unworthy  of  being  cither  sought  or  prized. 

12.  When  you  become  the  object  of  ill-natured  at- 
tacks, BE  NOT  READY  TO  TAKE  AKY  PUBLICK  NO- 
TICE OF  THEM.  That  extreme  sensibility  to  cen- 
sure, which  prompts  publick  men,  and  especially 
ministers,  to  repel  by  a  publick  reply,  the  smallest 
assault  which  is  made  upon  them,  ought  by  no 
means  to  be  cherished.  Such  replies  in  a  great  ma- 
jority of  cases,  rather  give  importance  to  the  assailant 
than  real  protection  or  honour  to  the  assaulted.  Slan- 
der, in  a  multitude  of  cases,  cannot  be  killed  ;  but, 
according  to  the  old  proverb,  when  let  alone,  it  will 
soon  die  of  itself.  Seldom  undertake,  therefore,  to 
defend  yourself  against  rude  or  malignant  attacks. 
Never  do  it  in  haste,  or  without  consultation.  In 
most  cases  such  attacks  will  be  harmless,  unless  you 
make  them  otherwise.  Very  rarely  has  any  man 
been  "  written  down"  but  by  himself, 

13.  Be  cautious  and  sparing  in  assigning  pub^ 
LICK  REASONS  FOR  YOUR  CONDUCT.  Try  to  ascer- 
tain, in  every  case,  what  your  duty  is,  and  endea- 
vour to  perform  it ;  but  having  done  so,  leave  it,  for 
the  most  part,  to  speak  for  itself.  Undertaking  to 
satisfy  the  publick  by  assigning  reasons  for  what  we 
do,  is  often  only  presenting  a  broader  front  for  ill-na- 
ture or  malignity  to  strike  at.  As  long  as  people  only 


LETTERS    ON    fLERICAL    MANXERS.  413 

guess  at  your  motives,  or  reasons^  their  censure  may 
be  somewhat  restrained.  But  that  which  you  offer 
by  way  of  explanation,  or  of  justification,  may  give 
them  a  handle  against  you,  as  little  thought  of  by 
yourself,  as  it  is  gratifying  to  them.  The  action  it- 
self might  hare  passed  very  well ;  some  one  or  more 
out  of  half  a  dozen  reasons  for  it,  may  possibly  give 
mortal  offence.  This  remark  applies,  perhaps,  to 
no  class  of  men  more  strongly  than  ministers  of  the 
gospel,  who  are  usually  connected  with  large  bodies 
of  people,  all  taking  an  interest,  and  feeling  as  if  they 
had  a  right  to  express  opinions,  concerning  every 
thing  they  say  and  do.  In  such  circumstances,  the 
shortest  and  safest  course  is  to  act  rightly  ;  offering 
but  little  by  way  of  explanation  ;  accustoming  those 
around  you  to  confide  in  your  wisdom,  and  commit- 
ting the  whole  to  ^'Him  who  judgeth  righteously." 

14.  It  is  a  good  rule  of  prudence  for  a  publick 
man  to  be  as  much  on  his  guard  against  his 

FRIENDS   AS   AGAINST  HIS   ENEMIES.       If  I  WCre  askcd 

whether  publick  men  were  more  frequently  injured 
by  their  enemies  or  their  friends ;  I  should  certainly, 
and  with  confidence,  reply,  by  the  latter.  Be  thank- 
ful for  friends;  love  them;  be  grateful  to  them  ;  and 
be  always  ready  with  fidelity  to  serve  them.  But 
recollect  that  you  ought  to  guard  quite  as  vigilantly 
against  their  indiscretion,  their  folly,  and  their  sel- 
fishness, as  against  the  malice  of  your  enemies.  That 
general  who  wishes  to  succeed  in  his  great  military 
movements,  must  often  conceal  his  purposes  quite 
as  carefully  from  his  own  army,  as  from  that  of  the 
2  M  2 


414  LETTERS    ON    CLERICAL    ATANN^ERS. 

enemy.  So  it  is,  to  a  great  extent,  with  every  pub- 
lick  man.  Never  commit  delicate  matters  to  many 
in  number,  even  of  your  best  friends;  and  never 
forget,  that  you  are  quite  as  much  in  danger  from 
the  tongues  of  those  who  love  you  most,  as  from  the 
hostility  of  your  bitterest  opposers. 

15.  In  travelling  among  strangers  GUARD  against 

EVERY     THIXG    THAT     MAY    SAVOUR    OP    A    FORWARD 

OR  OBTRUSIVE  SPIRIT.  There  are  two  extremes 
in  relation  to  this  point,  into  one  or  the  other  of 
which  public  men  are  prone  to  fall.  Some  retreat 
to  the  most  private  recess  of  the  vehicle  in  which 
they  travel,  or  the  hotel  in  which  they  lodge,  and 
wrap  themselves  up  in  the  silence  and  impenetrable 
reserve  of  one  who  wishes  to  escape  from  all  inter- 
course with  his  species.  Others  are  forward,  talk- 
ative, and  apparently  desirous  of  making  themselves 
known  to  every  indvidual  with  whom  they  travel, 
and  engaging  with  prominence  in  every  conversa- 
tion that  occurs.  The  former  is  a  monkish  plan  of 
proceeding,  by  which  an  intelligent  man  loses  many 
pleasures  and  advantages,  and  withholds  from  others 
many  a  social  benefit,  which  he  might  confer.  But 
the  latter  plan  of  deportment  is  no  less  faulty.  It  is 
weak,  undignified,  obtrusive,  and,  to  all  delicate 
minds,  extremely  revolting.  Be  invariably  polite, 
and  ready  to  accommodate  e\cry  fellow  traveller ; 
but  never  obtrude  your  acquaintance  or  conversa- 
tion on  strangers.  Rather  wait  to  be  drawn  out, 
than  run  the  risk  of  being  repelled  as  unduly  forward. 
Those  who,  in  traveHing,  thrust  themselves  into  ever\ 


LETTERS    ON    CLERICAL    MANNERS.  415 

circle,  and  meddle  in  every  conversation,  seldom, 
1  believe,  get  through  a  long  journey  without  pla- 
cing themselves  in  circumstances,  which,  if  they 
were  persons  of  delicate  sensibility,  (happily  for  their 
feelings  this  is  seldom  the  case)  would  lead  to  many 
an  hour  of  deep  mortification.  When  designing  or 
unprincipled  men  meet  with  such  persons  in  pub- 
lick  vehicles  or  places,  they  are  peculiarly  apt  to 
single  them  out  as  objects  of  their  artful  approaches, 
under  the  confidence  that  they  shall  find  them  more 
accessible  than  others,  and  more  open  to  imposition. 
16.  In  travelling  in  publick  vehicles,  and  in  put- 
ting up  at  publick  hotels,  be  ever  ready  to  per- 
form THE  APPROPRIATE  OFFICES  OF  RELIGION,  BUT 
NEVER    FORCE    THEM    ON    THOSE    WHO    MANIFEST    NO 

DESIRE  TO  RECEIVE  THEM.  It  has  becu  oftcn  made 
a  question,  whether  at  publick  tables,  in  hotels,  or 
steam-boats,  it  is  proper  for  a  clergyman  to  make  a 
practice  of  asking  a  blessing  and  returning  thankr  ? 
My  opinion  is,  that,  if  the  company  be  orderlj*,  and 
a  considerable  portion  of  it  decisively  respectful  to 
religion  and  its  institutions,  such  as  a  minister  has 
frequently  the  pleasure  of  meeting  in  publick  con- 
veyances, it  is  expedient  for  him,  in  such  circumstan- 
ces, to  approach  the  table  among  the  first,  and  rever- 
ently to  implore  the  divine  blessing.  But  if  the 
company  be  large,  disorderly,  noisy,  and  apparently 
indisposed  to  such  exercises,  and  there  be  no  weigh- 
ty portion  of  it  ready  to  act  as  pioneers,  and  open 
the  way  for  him,  he  ought  not,  in  my  judgment,  to 


416  LETTERS    ON    CLERICAL    MANNERS. 

force  his  services  upon  such  an  assemblage.  If  af- 
ter you  become  a  minister,  you  are  ever  thrown  in- 
to such  a  situation,  withdraw  to  a  quiet  end  of  the  ta- 
ble, with  the  little  group  who  may  be  like-minded 
with  yourself,  if  there  be  any  such  present,  and 
there,  in  a  low  voice,  only  to  be  heard  by  yourselves, 
and  the  i^yf  who  sit  next  to  you,  implore  the  bless- 
ing of  heaven  on  the  comforts  of  which  you  partake. 
When  you  fall  into  such  turbulent  companies,  this 
course,  if  my  observation  has  not  greatly  deceived 
me,  is  best  adapted  to  make  the  desired  impression. 

I  have  known  some  clergymen  who,  in  travelling, 
thought  it  their  duty,  and  laid  it  down  as  a  rule,  at 
every  publick  house  at  which  they  put  up,  whether 
crowded  with  company  or  not,  without  exception,  to 
call  the  family  together  to  morning  and  evening  pray- 
ers. That  this  may  often  be  done,  very  acceptably, 
and  to  great  advantage,  in  the  private,  or  family  room, 
where  the  keeper  of  the  house  and  his  fiimily  are 
respectful  to  religion,  I  am  well  persuaded.  And, 
therefore,  a  clergyman  in  travelling  ought  ever  to  be 
on  the  watch  to  perceive,  and  ready  to  seize  favour- 
able occasions  to  introduce  the  worship  of  God. 
But  to  insist  on  doing  it  in  the  face  of  manifest  aver- 
sion, and  even  in  the  midst  of  a  noisy  and  profane 
throng,  as  I  have  sometimes  known  to  be  the  fact, 
is,  verily,  in  my  opinion,  "  casting  pearls  before 
swine,"  and  adapted  to  dishonour  rather  than  recom- 
mend religion. 

17.   In   travelHng,   be   not   ready  to   entangle 

YOURSELr   with   OBTRUSIVE   OR   TROUBLESOME 


LETTERS    ON    CLERICAL    MANNERS.  417 

STRANGERS.  In  almost  ever}'  crowded  publick  con- 
veyance that  you  enter,  there  are  passengers  who 
answer  this  description  ;  persons  who,  from  vulgari- 
ty, from  officiousness,  or  from  some  sinister  motive, 
will  be  disposed  to  fasten  themselves  upon  you,  and 
endeavour  to  make  you  subservient  to  their  conve- 
nience. They  will,  perhaps,  oppress  you  with  their 
conversation,  pester  you  with  their  plans,  and  even 
lay  a  snare  for  your  politeness,  which  may  give  much 
trouble  afterwards.  Be  on  your  guard  against  such 
persons.  Give  no  encouragement  to  their  intimacy 
or  their  schemes,  especially  until  you  know  some- 
thing about  them.  The  exercise  of  common  civility 
to  them,  may  entangle  you  to  a  most  inconvenient 
degree.  To  this  class  of  travellers  females  are 
sometimes  found  to  belong.  Travelling  without  a 
protector,  they  may  feel  desirous  of  engaging  a  cler- 
gyman to  act  the  part  of  one;  who,  though  a  stranger 
to  them,they  consider  as  furnishing,  in  \\\% profession^ 
a  pledge  of  fidelity  and  benevolence.  Often  have  I 
known  females  travelling  in  these  circumstances,  in> 
pose  themselves  on  clergymen,  travelling  in  the  same 
direction,  and  to  form  an  incumbrance  and  impedi- 
ment of  the  most  serious  kind.  I  have  known  min- 
isters young  and  old,  on  journies  for  their  health, 
really  oppressed,  and  their  movements  most  unhap- 
pily, and  injuriously  trammelled,  hy  these  self-creat- 
e^proteges.  Guard  against  every  such  imposition. 
If  you  do  not,  you  w^ill  never  be  without  incum- 
brance. In  travelling,  be  polite,  accommodating  and 
benevolent  to  every  body,  especially  to  females,  and, 


418         LETTERS   ON   CLERICAL   MANNERS. 

above  all,  to  unprotected  females  of  decent  appear- 
ance and  character.  But  do  not  allow  them,  in  or- 
dinary cases,  to  identify  themselves  with  you  ;  to 
consider  you  as  their  humble  servant ;  and  to  ex- 
pect you  to  regulate  your  motions  by  their  conve- 
nience. Perhaps  no  class  of  men  have  so  much 
reason  to  be  on  their  guard  against  this  species  of  im- 
position as  ministers  of  the  Gospel. 

18.  In  travelling,  guard  against  giving  unnecessa- 
ry TROUBLE,  AND  MAKING  UNNECESSARY  COMPLAINTS. 

I  have  often  observed  clergymen  and  theological  stu- 
dents to  act  indiscreetly  in  this  respect.  They  have 
given  so  much  trouble,  and  addressed  themselves  so  of- 
fensively to  stage-drivers,  boat-men,  inn-keepers,  and 
servants  atpubiick  houses, as  really  to  be  regarded,  af- 
ter a  while,  as  a  nuisance  wherever  they  appeared. 
Guard  against  this  mistake.  Speak  to  persons  in  such 
humble  stations  mildly  and  respectfully.  Be  sparing 
in  your  demands  on  their  time  and  services ;  and 
when  they  are  civil  to  you,  manifest  a  thankful  spi- 
rit. Be  not  ready  to  complain  when  your  accom- 
modations are  not  such  as  could  be  wished,  and  even 
when  they  are  shamefully  bad.  What  good  will 
your  complaints  do  ?  You  are  always  completely  in 
the  power  of  those  persons  in  whose  vehicles  you 
travel,  or  in  whose  houses  you  put  up  :  and,  in  most 
cases,  loud  complaints  will  only  make  the  matter 
worse.  Besides,  ministers  ought  to  exhibit,  every 
where,  a  patient  spirit,  and  contentment  with  such 
things  as  they  may  chance  to  have.  Be  easily  satis- 
fied, backward  to  complain,  and  respectful  to  every 


LETTERS    ON    CLERICAL    MANNERS.  419 

body ;  and  the  impression  made  on  the  minds  of  all 
you  fall  in  with,  will  operate  more  strongly  in  your 
favour  than  you  can  easily  imagine. 

19    Whenever  you  travel  out  of  your  own  imme- 
diate   neighbourhood,    be  careful  to   seek    and 

TREASURE  UP  ALL  THE  INFORMATION  WHICH  YOU 
MAY    HAVE     AN     OPPORTUNITY     OF     GAINING.         It     is 

wonderful  to  observe  under  what  a  lethargy  of  mind 
many  intelligent  men  labour,  as  to  this  point,  in  their 
most  interesting  excursions.  They  travel,  perhaps 
hundreds  of  miles  through  the  finest  regions  of  coun- 
try, without  making  a  single  inquiry,  or  treasuring 
up  a  single  fact,  adapted  to  solid  use  afterwards. 

This  is  a  fault,  really,  as  criminal  as  it  is  disrepu- 
table, 1  advise  you  to  consider  every  journey  that 
you  take  as  "  a  price  put  into  your  hands  forgetting 
wisdom."  Try  to  return  from  every  excursion  laden 
with  knowledge,  concerning  the  agricultural,  the 
commercial,  and  the  manufacturing  state  of  the  dis- 
tricts through  which  you  pass  ;  their  various  internal 
improvements,  their  literary,  moral,  and  religious 
condition;  the  numbers,  prospects,  wants,  &;c.,  of 
the  different  ecclesiastical  denominations ;  and  par- 
ticularly any  institutions  or  practices  which  may  be 
worthy  of  imitation.  In  travelling  always  keep  a 
diary.  If  it  be  as  minute  in  recording  what  you  see, 
as  well  as  what  you  do,  and  as  rich  as  it  ought  to  be, 
it  may  be  to  you  a  document  of  great  value  as  long 
as  you  live. 

20.    Learn  the  happy  art   of    turning   every 

THING    INTO    THE    CHANNEL    OF  RELIGION,  AND  MAK- 


420  LETTERS    ON    CLEllICAL   MANNERS. 

iNG  EVERY  THING  SUBSERVIENT  TO  IT.  You  re- 
member that  Dr.  Johnson^  in  his  life  of  Dr.  fVatls^ 
remarks,  that  '  whatever  he  took  in  hand,  was,  by  his 
incessant  sohcitude  forsouls,  converted  to  theology.'* 
This  is,  indeed,  exalted  praise  for  a  minister  of  the 
gospel.  May  t/ou  be  enabled  to  merit  the  same 
eulogium!  If  you  should  live  to  be  invested  with  the 
sacred  office,  never,  for  a  moment,  lose  sight  of  that 
office,  or  of  the  duties  which  it  infers.  Let  all  your 
reading,  conversation,  plans,  jouruies,  recreations, 
point  directly  to  the  advancement  of  the  Redeemer's 
kingdom,  and  the  temporal  and  eternal  welfare  of 
men,  as  their  grand  centre.  Whatever  others  may- 
do,  consider  yourself  as  a  man  consecrated  to  the 
great  work  of  doing  good,  to  your  latest  breath.  To 
this  letevery  pursuit  and  acquirement  be  subservient ; 
to  this  make  every  thing  bend.  Wherever  you  so- 
journ or  reside,  be  ever  on  the  watch  for  opportuni- 
ties of  promoting  the  moral  and  spiritual  benefit  of 
yourself  and  others.  Recollect  that  3'ou  have  but 
ojie  object  to  pursue, — the  extending  and  building  up 
that  "kingdom  which  is  not  meat  and  drink,  but 
righteousness  and  peace,  and  joy  in  the  Holy  Ghost." 
Let  the  last  words,  emphatically  repeated,  of  the  old 
English  Prelate, — Pro  Ecclesia  Dei — Pro  Ecclesia 
JJqi — be  visibly  inscribed  upon  every  thing  you  pos- 
sess and  do.  This  is  the  real  art  of"  turning  every 
thing  to  gold,"  in  the  best  sense;  the  art  of  being, 
in  the  highest  degree  that  tiiis  world  admits,  useful 
and  happy. 


LETTERS    ON    CLERICAL    MANNERS.  421 

And  now,  my  dear  young  Friend,  I  must  bring  to 
a  close  this  collection  of  counsels  ;  which  I  fear  my 
desire  to  omit  nothingimportant,has  led  me  too  much 
to  extend.  A  wish,  also,  that  nothing  might  escape 
your  notice,  has  led  me  to  present  the  same  thought 
more  than  once  in  different  connexions.  For  this 
I  make  no  apology.  The  truth  is,  there  is  so  inti- 
mate a  relation  between  different  parts  of  truth  and 
duty ;  they  so  run  into  one  another,  that  occasional 
repetition  is  unavoidable.  Nor  is  it,  for  various  rea- 
sons, undesirable.  The  impression  is  thereby  reite- 
rated, and, perhaps,  deepened. 

lii  reviewing  the  various  details  to  which  your  at- 
tention has  been  called,  I  trust  you  will  often  be  rea- 
dy to  exclaim — "  Who  is  sufficient  for  these  things  ?" 
Who  can  hope,  in  the  diversified  situations  and 
duties  of  a  minister  of  the  gospel,  #n  publick  and  pri- 
vate, to  avoid  the  numberless  faults  to  which  he  is 
exposed  on  every  side,  and  to  exhibit  in  regard  to 
all  the  points  which  have  been  specified,  a  blameless 
example  ? — I  answer,  truly  no  one  who  is  not  favour- 
ed with  that  Divine  wisdom  and  aid,  which  are  pro- 
mised to  those  who  unceasingly  ask  for  them.  The 
sentiments,  therefore,  which  I  should  wish  to  see 
reigning  in  your  mind  in  reference  to  this  whole  sub- 
ject, are  those  which  recognize  your  own  weakness, 
the  number  and  power  of  the  temptations  which 
surround  you  ;  the  extreme  arduousness  of  the  task 
of  doing  well :  your  need  of  continual  help  ;  and  the 
obligation  which  you  are  under  to  "  watch  and  pray," 
that  you  may  be  enabled,  in  any  tolerable  degree,  to 
observe  the  rules  enjoined. 
2  N 


422  LETTERS    ON    CLERICAL    MANNERS. 

But,  while  I  wish  these  sentiments  to  be  deeply- 
impressed  on  your  mind  ;  I  am,  at  the  same  time, 
persuaded,  that  the  substance  of  all  that  I  have  re- 
commended, may  be  considered,  with  that  Divine 
aid  which  is  promised  to  all  who  faithfully  seek  it, 
as  fairly  within  the  reach  of  every  candidate  for  the 
holy  ministry,  who  has  decent  talents,  and  genuine 
piety  :  do  not,  therefore,  by  any  means  imagine,  that 
the  manners  and  habits  which  1  have  described,  are 
such  as  very  few,  and  those  only  who  have  speciaj 
endowments,  and  advantages,  can  attain.  There  is 
not  a  student  in  our  Institution  who  might  not  make 
the  attainment,  if  he  had  the  piety  and  the  persever- 
ance to  use  the  proper  means  for  the  purpose.  In 
this  opinion,  I  am  happy  in  being  fortified  by  the 
venerable  President  of  our  Board  of  Directors,*  with 
whose  declaratioi^  delivered  to  a  body  of  your  pre- 
decessors in  the  Seminary,  I  shall  take  my  leave  of 
you. 

"  In  this  matter  we  are  under  no  necessity  of  con- 
templating an  impossibility. — I  maintain  that  there 
is  a  poifat  in  good  manners,  which  every  theological 
student,  without  exception  may  and  ought  to  reach  ; 
and  which,  whoever  reaches,  will  be  acceptable  and 
agreeable  to  persons  of  every  rank  and  condition  in 
life.  The  attainment  requires  little  more  in  order 
to  make  it,  than  the  meekness,  and  gentleness,  and 
benevolence,  and  courtesy,  which  the  gospel  itself 
explicitly  recomniends — and  enjoins  ;  and  a  failure 

*  Rev.  Dr.  Green.  Seo  Christian  Advocate  Vol.  I.  pp.493, 
494.  , 


LETTERS    ON    CLERICAL    MANNERS.  423 

in  which  must,  of  course,  be  reckoned  a  real  defect 
in  christian  character.     The  man  who  has  reached 
the  point  I  have  in  view,  is  as  free  from  all  that  boor- 
ish roughness,  all  that  reserved  haughtiness  or  sul- 
lenness,  all  that  clownish  rudeness,  and  all  those  dis- 
gusting habits  and  actions,  which  are  so  generally 
and  justly  offensive,  as  the  courtier  himself.     This 
man  is  neither  forward  nor  sheepishly  bashful;  he 
is  self-possessed,  but  modest  and  retiring ;  he  is  kind 
and  civil ;  he  is  social  and  pleasant ;  he  is  desirous 
to  please,  and  wilhng  to  be  pleased  ;  he  is  respectful 
to  age  and  station  ;  he  is  never  intrusive  or  officious ; 
he  is  on  all  occosions  accommodating,  and  ready  to 
do  every  good  office  in  his  power  ;  and  he  never  ar- 
rogates precedency  of  rank,  nor  demands  an  undue 
attention  to  himself.    Now  I  affirm,  that  every  minis- 
ter of  the  gospel,  and  every  theological  student  may 
possess  this  character;  and  tl  at,  if  he  possess  it,  he 
will  be  otfiensive  to  no  one  in  point  of  manners.    Aim 
at  the  attainment  which  I  have  here  described  :  aim 
at  it  constantly  :  consider  it  as  a  christian  duty  to 
do  so.     It  is,  in  the  strictest  sense,  a  christian  duty; 
for  believe  me,  your  usefulness,  your  abihty  to  do 
good,  will  greatly  depend  on  your  visible  demean- 
our." 

That  you,  my  dear  sir,  may  have  grace  given  you 
to  attain  this  character,  and  thus  to  adorn  the  sacred 
office,  and  become  an  eminent  blessing  to  the  church 
of  God,  is  the  unfeigned  prayer  of 
Your  sincere  friend, 

SAMUEL  MILLER. 

Princeton,  April  10, 1827. 


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